JPH11136462A - Hand scanner device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a head scanner operable in both read-out directions. SOLUTION: A rotation detection means 30 for detecting the rotating direction of a roller or the like is provided inside this device so as to identify the read-out direction of the device at the time of the read-out operation of an original, thus image signals obtained by scanning the original by an original read-out part 12 are temporarily stored in a memory incorporated in the device, and the image signals stored in the memory when the read-out operation of the original is performed in an erroneous direction are automatically converted to the image signals obtained in a correct direction and outputted. Thus, even when the read-out operation of the original is performed in the erroneous direction, the read-out direction of the device is identified based on signals from the rotation detection means 30 and the image signals stored in the memory are automatically converted to the image signals same as the ones obtained in the correct direction at all times and outputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand scanner device. More specifically, the reading direction of the apparatus is identified by rotation detecting means provided inside the apparatus, and when the reading operation of the original is performed in the wrong direction, this error direction is automatically detected and the output is performed at this time. The image signal is automatically converted into an image signal obtained when the original reading operation is performed in a correct direction, and is output.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a hand-held type that can be carried anywhere, read characters and photographs of a document on the spot, and connected to an external device such as a facsimile to copy or transmit the read content. Scanner devices (hand scanner devices) are commercially available. FIG. 10 and FIG.
This shows a specific example of a hand scanner device that has been conventionally marketed.

As shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface 4a of a rectangular housing 4 constituting the outer frame of the hand scanner device 1 is located near the left end 4b in the document reading direction (arrow S). Is marked with a reading direction mark 6 indicating the reading direction of the hand scanner device 1.

[0004] Then, as shown in FIG.
A document reading unit (line sensor) 3 for reading characters, photographs, and the like of the document is provided near the bottom 4c of the document and near the end 4e in the document reading direction (arrow S).
A plurality of through-holes 4d are formed in the bottom surface 4c at regular intervals while maintaining a predetermined interval in a direction opposite to the reading direction of the original reading unit 3, that is, in parallel with the rear end 3a of the original reading unit 3. In addition, a plurality of cylindrical bodies 2a constituting the roller 2 are rotatably disposed in a state of slightly protruding from the through holes 4b.

In the hand scanner device 1 configured as described above, only the rotation operation and the rotation speed of the roller 2 are detected by rotation detection means built in the housing 4 (not shown), and a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation is generated. The document reading unit 3 is activated with the pulse signal as a trigger. Then, the reading of the document is started from the position of the reading mark 5 stamped on both outer surfaces of the housing 4.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the reading operation of the document 40 is performed in the correct direction by the hand scanner device 1 configured as described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, by moving the hand scanner device 1 while pressing the document 40 in the direction indicated by the reading direction mark 6, the roller 2 in contact with the document 40 is rotated. At the same time, the document reading unit 3 is activated, and reading of the document 40 is started from the position of the reading mark 5.

Document reading section 3 of hand scanner 1
Is the reading direction mark 6 side (left side) to the right side (arrow Q direction)
When the hand scanner device 1 is moved in the direction of the arrow S from the upper end surface 40a side of the original 40, the contents of the original 40 are moved from the upper left end to the lower right end of the original 40. Scanned sequentially. Then, the content described in the document 40 (in this example, the image “F”) is converted into an image signal. Is output.

[0009]

As shown in FIG. 13, the reading operation of the original 40 from the upper end surface 40a of the original 40 with the reading direction mark 6 erroneously directed in the direction opposite to the reading direction (arrow S). Is performed, the hand scanner device 1 moves from the reading direction mark 6 side (right side) to the left side (arrow Q
Direction), the hand-scanning device 1
Is moved in the direction of arrow S, the contents of the document 40 are sequentially scanned from the upper right end to the lower left end of the document 40. Then, the content described in the document 40 (the image “F” in this example) is converted into an image signal and output. However, this image "F"
As shown in FIG. 14, the image signals are output in the order of reading from the upper left end to the lower right end (in the direction of arrow R) of the output paper 41. For this reason, the image signal of the image “F” is output to the output paper 41 in a left-right opposite manner as if it were mirrored.

Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem. Even if the reading operation of the original is performed in an erroneous direction, the erroneous direction is automatically detected. An object of the present invention is to provide a hand scanner device that can automatically convert an output image signal into an image signal obtained when a document reading operation is performed in a correct direction and output the image signal.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hand scanner device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a document housing is provided on a bottom surface side of a rectangular housing constituting an outer frame of the device. In a hand scanner device having a roller directly pressed against the surface and rotating in accordance with a reading operation of a document and a document reading unit which starts by detecting the rotation of the roller, the reading direction of the device during the reading operation of the document Means for detecting the direction of rotation of the rollers are provided inside the apparatus to identify the image, and the image signal obtained by scanning the original by the original reading unit is temporarily stored in a memory built in the apparatus. When the reading operation of the original is performed in the wrong direction, the image signal stored in the memory is
The image signal is automatically converted into an image signal obtained when a reading operation of a document is performed in a correct direction and output.

According to the present invention, when reading an original,
By identifying the reading direction of the device based on the signal from the rotation detection means of the roller provided inside the device, the image signal stored in the memory is always used when the original reading operation is performed in the correct direction. It can be automatically converted and output so as to be the same image signal as obtained.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a hand scanner according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hand scanner apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Even if a thick original has no margin at the edge of the original, the original can be reliably read from the original reading start position. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view when applied to a hand scanner device capable of reading the contents of an original.

As shown in FIG. 1, a housing 11 constituting an outer frame of the hand scanner device 10 is formed in a rectangular shape, and is located on the upper surface of the housing 11 in the document reading direction (arrow S). A reading direction mark 14 (see FIG. 7) indicating the reading direction of the hand scanner device 10 (not shown) is stamped near the left end. At the center of the bottom surface 11a of the housing 11, an elongated rectangular document reading section 12 is provided.

The document reading section 12 is configured to read a document at the position of a reading mark 13 stamped on both outer side surfaces of the housing 11 and near the bottom surface 11a. The main scanning is performed from left to right. Also,
In this example, a CIS (Contac) is used as the document reading unit 12.
The width of the document reading unit 12 is selected so that a line sensor of t Image Sensor is used and a document of B4 size (about 250 mm) can be read.

The bottom surface 11a is further provided with a plurality (three in this example, three on each side) of through-holes 1 parallel to the front end portion 12a and the rear end portion 12b of the document reading section 12 and at a predetermined interval.
1b are drilled at equal intervals.

A plurality (three in this example) of cylindrical bodies 20a and 21a constituting a pair of rollers 20 and 21 arranged in parallel so as to sandwich the original reading section 12 are slightly spaced from the through holes 11b. It is made to protrude.

Each of these rollers 20, 21 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, in this example, a plurality of cylindrical bodies 20a and 21a formed using rubber having a high friction coefficient are connected via metal shafts 20b and 21b. In this example, three cylindrical bodies 20a and 21a are used in order to stabilize the straightness (reading directionality) during the reading operation of the hand scanner device 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, both free ends of the shafts 20b, 21b are rotatable by bearings 24a, 24b and 24c, 24d provided at predetermined positions near both inner side surfaces of the housing 11. It is pivoted on. In this example, these rollers 20 and 2
A drive transmission means is interposed between the two so that they rotate at the same time. In this example, a gear train 25 is used as the drive transmission means.
It is arranged near c.

More specifically, the rotation of the roller 20 causes the gear 25a attached to and fixed to the shaft 20b of the roller 20 to rotate in synchronization with the gear 25a.
Through the small-diameter portion of the stepped gear 25b meshed with a, the power is transmitted to the intermediate gear 25c meshed with the large-diameter portion of the gear 25b. The stepped gear 2 meshed with the intermediate gear 25c
The rotational force of the roller 20 is transmitted to the gear 25e meshed with the small diameter portion of the gear 25d via the large diameter portion of 5d. Since the gear 25 e is fixedly mounted on the shaft 21 b of the roller 21, the gear 2 e is synchronized with the rotation of the roller 20.
1 will rotate.

The gear train 25 is composed of an odd number of gears so that the rollers 20 and 21 rotate in the same direction. Further, in order to allow the hand scanner device 10 to move smoothly during the reading operation of the original, the reduction ratio of the gears constituting the gear train 25 is selected.

In this example, the gear train 25 is applied as a drive transmission means for constantly rotating the rollers 20 and 21 in synchronization, but instead of this, a drive using a toothed belt or a V-belt is used. Transmission means can also be used.

In order to detect the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the rollers 20 and 21, a rotation is provided between a gear 25e fixed to the shaft 21b and a bearing 24c which supports one free end of the shaft 21b. Detection means 30 is provided. The rotation detecting means 30 includes one disk-shaped movable body (encoder) 31 and two transmission-type detectors (photo interrupters) 32 each having a light emitting element and a light receiving element.
a and 32b.

The encoder 31 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 21b. When at least one of the rollers 20, 21 rotates, the encoder 31 rotates in synchronization with the rotation. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality (eight in this example) of identification areas (for example, slits) 31a are provided at regular intervals on the same circumference of the disk surface of the encoder 31. The encoder 31 rotates in the direction of arrow R (positive direction) when the reading operation of the document is performed in the correct direction, and rotates in the direction of arrow L when the reading operation of the document is performed in the wrong direction. (Reverse direction).

As shown in FIG.
The reference numerals 2a and 32b are respectively provided with a predetermined phase difference with respect to the slit 31a, and the disk surface of the encoder 31 is sandwiched between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. This encoder 31 rotates, and the photo interrupter 32
a, 32b slit 3 between each light emitting element and light receiving element
When 1a passes, the photo interrupters 32a and 32b
Output pulse signals Sa and Sb having a phase difference as shown in FIG. Then, the rotation direction of the rollers 20, 21 during the reading operation of the original is detected based on the phase difference between these pulse signals Sa, Sb, and the reading direction of the hand scanner device 10 is identified.

In other words, regardless of whether the encoder 31 rotates in the forward or reverse direction, a CPU (Centra
l Processing Unit) always sets the CPU so that the pulse signal Sa obtained from the photo interrupter 32a is detected first. by this,
When the encoder 31 is rotating in the forward direction, as shown in FIG. 4, the pulse signal Sa and the pulse signal Sb having the phase difference T1 are detected. A pulse signal Sa and a pulse signal Sb having a phase difference T2 (T1 <T2) are detected. The reading direction of the hand scanner device 10 is identified by the CPU detecting these phase differences T1 and T2.

Further, these pulse signals Sa and Sb are
When the PU receives the signal, a start pulse signal for the document reading unit 12 is obtained.

In this example, as means for detecting the rotation of the rollers 20 and 21, light emitted from the light emitting element passes through the slit 31a, and this type of light is received by the light receiving element. Is applied, but the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the reflective film,
A reflection type photo interrupter that receives the reflected light by a light receiving element may be used.

Further, in this example, optical means is applied as means for detecting the rotation of the rollers 20, 21. However, a similar structure can be employed using a magnetic sensor or the like.

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the operation circuit 50 of the hand scanner device 10. As shown in FIG.

In the operation circuit 50, the CPU 51 detects the above-mentioned pulse signals Sa and Sb to generate a start pulse signal for starting the original reading section 12, and generates a phase difference T1 between the pulse signals Sa and Sb. , T2, the reading direction of the hand scanner device 10 is identified. In addition, the CPU 51 temporarily stores the image signal of the document 40 supplied from the document reading unit 12 in the memory 52, and outputs the image signal output when the reading operation of the document is performed in the wrong direction. Various controls are performed, such as automatically converting to an image signal obtained when a document reading operation is performed in a correct direction and outputting the image signal.

The switch 54 is turned on when the start pulse signal is supplied, and supplies a predetermined drive voltage (+ B voltage) to the light source 12d.

Light source 12 d built in document reading section 12
Is for irradiating the original 40 with light at a constant brightness. In this example, the LED (Light Emitti) is used.
ngDiode). The light emitted from the light source 12d is reflected by the document 40, and the reflected light is efficiently guided to the photoelectric conversion unit 12c.
And the photoelectric conversion unit 12 also built in the document reading unit 12
The mounting position of c is selected.

The photoelectric conversion unit 12c is directly activated by the activation pulse signal, reads the density (black and white) of the document 40 based on the brightness of the reflected light, and converts it into an electric signal (image signal).

The external terminal 53 has a connector structure,
It is used for connection with an external device such as an AX or a copy machine.
When the hand scanner device 10 is connected to an external device, an image signal is directly supplied from the external terminal 53 to the external device, and the content of the document read by the hand scanner device 10 can be immediately copied or transmitted. .

The memory 52 is for temporarily storing the image signal supplied from the photoelectric conversion unit 12c. When necessary, the hand scanner device 10 is connected to an external device, and the contents of the read original ( Memory output).

FIG. 6 shows an example of a control flowchart for controlling the output of the image signal contained in the CPU 51. Although not shown, the power switch of the hand scanner device 10 is turned on and the document 40 is turned on. This control program is started when one or both of the rollers 20, 21 rotate at the same time as the start of the reading operation.

Then, by slowly moving the hand scanner 10, the document
Are sequentially scanned, and the obtained image signal is stored in the memory 52 (step 60).

The entire reading range of the document 40 is scanned,
When the rotation of the rollers 20 and 21 stops, the original 4
It is confirmed that the reading operation of 0 has been completed (step 61). At this time, whether the image signal stored in the memory 52 is obtained by performing the reading operation of the original 40 in the correct direction or obtained by performing the reading operation in the wrong direction is determined by the pulse signal Sa described above. , Sb phase difference T1, T2
(Step 62). Therefore, the memory 52 stores the phase differences T1 and T2 based on the above-described pulse signals Sa and Sb.
From T2, discrimination in the normal and reverse directions is performed.

When the reading operation of the original 40 is performed in the correct direction, the image signal stored in the memory 52 is supplied as it is to an external device connected to the external terminal 53 and output (step 64).

On the other hand, when the reading operation of the original 40 is performed in the wrong direction, the image signal stored in the memory 52 is output to the external device after the output order is changed by the CPU 51 (step 63). It is supplied to an external device connected to the terminal 53 and output (step 64). For example,
As shown in FIG. 7, the reading direction mark 14 is erroneously turned to the opposite side to the reading direction (arrow S).
When the reading operation of the original 40 is performed from the side a, the image signal of the image “F” is stored in the state shown in FIG. Read direction (address) of memory so that signal is output
Is controlled. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the image signal of the image “F” is correctly output on the output paper 41.

In the above-described embodiment, a pair of rollers 20 and 21 arranged in parallel so as to sandwich the original reading section 12 is provided.
The present invention is applied to a hand scanner device 10 having a roller, and a hand scanner device 1 having rollers 2 disposed in parallel with a rear end 3a of a document reading unit 3 and at a predetermined interval (see FIG. The present invention can also be applied to 11).

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even when the reading operation of the document is performed in the wrong direction, an image signal obtained when the reading operation is performed in the correct direction can be always output.

As a result, waste of output paper due to an output error when the original reading operation is performed in the wrong direction can be eliminated, and the reading direction of the apparatus can be ignored, so that the handling is simplified.

Therefore, the present invention is extremely suitable for application to a popular hand-held scanner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view showing one embodiment of a hand scanner device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a rotation detecting unit.

FIG. 4 is a time chart illustrating an example of rotation detection.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an operation circuit.

FIG. 6 is a control flowchart.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an output operation of the hand scanner device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a read direction of a memory.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an output image signal.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a specific example of a conventional hand scanner device.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view showing a specific example of a conventional hand scanner device.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an output operation of a conventional hand scanner device.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an output operation of a conventional hand scanner device.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an output image signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Hand scanner apparatus 11 Housing 12 Document reading part 20 Roller 30 Rotation detection means 40 Document 50 Operation circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A roller which is directly pressed against a surface of a document and is rotated in accordance with a reading operation of a document, on a bottom surface side of a rectangular housing constituting an outer frame of the apparatus, and detects rotation of the roller. In a hand scanner device having a document reading section to be activated, means for detecting a rotation direction of the roller and the like are provided inside the device in order to identify a reading direction of the device at the time of reading the document. An image signal obtained by scanning the original by the original reading unit is temporarily stored in a memory built in the apparatus, and is stored in the memory when the operation of reading the original is performed in an incorrect direction. Wherein the image signal obtained is automatically converted into an image signal obtained when the reading operation of the original is performed in a correct direction, and is output. . 2. A disk-shaped movable body having a plurality of identification areas is provided on a shaft constituting the roller as the rotation detecting means, and light emission for detecting the identification area of the movable body is provided. The hand scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the first detector and the second detector each having an element and a light receiving element are provided with a predetermined phase difference. 3. A first pulse signal having a predetermined phase difference between the first detector and the second detector when the movable body rotates in synchronization with the roller in response to a document reading operation. A rotation direction of the movable body is detected based on a phase difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal, and a reading direction of the document is identified. 2. The hand scanner device according to 1.