JPH0576222B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a positioning method in an image scanner device.

[Conventional technology]

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a conventional image scanner device for reflective originals.

What is shown in the figure is an image scanner device for reflective documents equipped with an automatic paper feeder.

The automatic document feeder takes in the documents stacked on the document feeder one by one from the bottom, automatically transports them onto the document tray inside the main body, and then automatically transfers them out of the main body after scanning is completed. to be discharged.

For this reason, with a reflective document image scanner equipped with an automatic document feeder, you only need to stack the documents and place them on the document feed tray and then issue a reading instruction, so even if there are a large number of documents, they can be used. The burden on people is light.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a conventional image scanner device for transparent originals.

Since the image scanner device for transparent originals reads transparent originals, it is necessary to provide a light source and a sensor separately on both sides of the original.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 14, a sensor and a sensor drive system are provided inside the main body, and a transmission unit consisting of a light source and a light source drive system is provided inside the document cover.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Conventionally, a reflective original is read by an image scanner device for reflective originals, a transparent original is read by an image scanner device for transparent originals, and thus dedicated image scanner devices have been used for each. As a result, two
There was a problem in that it was necessary to install two image scanner devices.

The present invention solves these problems and enables an image scanner device equipped with an automatic paper feeder that can read both reflective and transparent originals to read transparent originals without the need for a complicated mechanism.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for aligning a light source and a sensor that can be performed with high precision by utilizing the inherent functions of the present invention.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the alignment method in the image scanner device according to the present invention is as follows:
A housing with a document placement table on its surface, a document cover for holding the document placed on the document placement table, and an automatic paper feeder for automatically transporting the document onto the document placement table. A sensor unit including a light source for reflective originals and a sensor is placed below the original placing table inside the housing, and a light source for transparent originals is placed inside the document cover at a position corresponding to the original placing table. A method for aligning a light source and a sensor when reading a transparent original with a YANA device, which includes a process of returning the light source and sensor to respective predetermined home positions when the power is turned on, and turning on the light source at the home position. While fixed in that position,
The process of comparing the sensor output value with a predetermined slice level while moving the sensor, and at the same time counting the number of pulses from the sensor home position, and the point at which the sensor output value becomes larger than the slice level. The process of writing the number of pulses from the sensor home position to the register, and the process of moving the sensor further and writing the number of pulses from the sensor home position when the sensor output exceeds the peak and becomes smaller than the slice level. The process of writing to the register, the number of pulses from the sensor home position at the point when the sensor output value written to the register becomes larger than the slice level, and the point at which the sensor output value becomes smaller than the slice level. The process of calculating the number of pulses from the sensor home position, which represents the position of the light source, by dividing the sum of the number of pulses from the sensor home position and the number of pulses from the sensor home position at・Reading preparation is completed through the process of returning to the home position, and when reading starts, the sensor is moved from the sensor home position to the register written in the register.
The process of moving the light source by the number of pulses from the sensor home position, which represents the position of the light source, and temporarily stopping at that position, and the process of starting to read the transparent original while moving the light source and sensor at the same speed at the same time. It is configured to go through a process.

[Effect]

(1) Image scanner device to which the present invention is directed The present invention provides an image scanner device that is capable of reading both reflective originals and transparent originals, and that automates the conveyance and ejection of reflective originals using an automatic paper feeder. set to target.

The functions of the image scanner device to which the present invention is directed will be explained below.

Operation of the automatic document feeder The originals stacked on the document feeder are taken in one by one from the bottom, are automatically conveyed to the document tray inside the main unit, and after scanning is completed, are automatically transferred to the outside of the main unit. to be discharged. Therefore, the user only needs to give a reading instruction after stacking the originals (reflective originals) and placing them on the original feed tray, so even if there are a large number of originals, no effort is required.

Reading reflective originals The light source for reflective originals in the sensor unit located at the bottom of the original table in the housing is turned on, illuminates the reflective original on the document table, and the reflected light is detected by the sensor in the sensor unit. By reading the image information.

Reading transparent originals By lighting the light source for transparent originals placed in the position corresponding to the document mounting table inside the document cover, illuminating the transparent original on the document mounting table, and detecting the transmitted light with the sensor in the sensor unit. , read image information.

(2) Alignment method for the light source and sensor according to the present invention To read a transparent original, light generated by a light source is irradiated onto the transparent original placed on the document mounting table, and the transmitted light from the transparent original is used by a sensor. This is done by receiving light and reading the image information recorded on the transparent original.

During a reading operation, the light source is separately driven by a light source drive system and the sensor by a sensor drive system.
Therefore, both the light source and the sensor need to be accurately positioned at the reading start position when reading starts.

Therefore, this method is configured as follows.

(a) At power on When the power is turned on, the following steps are taken.

Return the light source and sensor to the light source home position and sensor home position.

The light source is turned on at the light source home position and fixed at that position. In parallel with this, while moving the sensor, the sensor output value is compared with a predetermined slice level, and at the same time, the number of pulses from the sensor home position is counted.

When the sensor output value becomes larger than the slice level, the number of pulses from the sensor home position is written into the register.

The sensor is moved further, and when the sensor output exceeds its peak and becomes smaller than the slice level, the number of pulses from the sensor home position is written into the register.

The number of pulses from the sensor home position at the time the sensor output value becomes larger than the slice level and the sensor home position at the time the sensor output value becomes smaller than the slice level, which are written in the register. By dividing the sum of the number of pulses from the sensor home position by 2, the number of pulses from the sensor home position, which represents the position of the light source, is calculated and written to the register.

Return the sensor to the sensor home position.
Reading preparation is completed through each of the above steps.

(b) At the start of reading At the start of reading, the following steps are taken.

The sensor is written from the sensor home position to the register, representing the position of the light source.
It is moved by the number of pulses from the sensor home position and is temporarily stopped at that position.

Reading of the transparent original is started while moving the light source and the sensor at the same speed.

In the above description, the image scanner device was simply referred to as an image scanner device, but the present invention is directed not only to a monochrome image scanner device but also to a color image scanner device.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an image scanner device to which the present invention is directed.

In the figure, 1 is a housing, 2 is a transmission unit that also serves as a document cover, 3 is an automatic paper feeder, and 4 is a document feed table.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image scanner device to which the present invention is applied.

In the figure, 11 is a housing, 12 is a transmission unit that also serves as a document cover, 13 is an automatic paper feeder, and 14 is a transmission unit.
15 is a sensor unit, 16 is a reflective document lamp, 17 is a sensor, 18 is a document placement table, 19 is a document, 20 is a transparent document lamp, 21
2 is a light diffusion plate, 22 is a feed roller, 23 is a separation roller, and 24 is a discharge roller.

The document cover 12 is for holding down the document 19 placed on the document table 18 .

The automatic paper feeder 13 sequentially takes in the documents stacked on the document feeder 14 from the bottom, automatically transports them onto the document tray 18 inside the main body, and after the reading is completed, removes the originals from the main body. automatically transported and discharged.

The document feed table 14 is for placing one or a plurality of stacked reflective documents.

The sensor unit 15 includes a reflective original lamp 1.
6, an optical system and a sensor 17, and is driven by a sensor unit drive system (not shown).

The reflective original lamp 16 is turned on when reading a reflective original, and illuminates the image information surface of the reflective original.

The sensor 17 is composed of a CCD or the like, and receives reflected light from a reflective original or transmitted light from a transparent original and converts it into an electrical signal.

As the original 19, a reflective original or a transparent original is used.

The transparent original lamp 20 is turned on to illuminate the transparent original when reading the transparent original, and is driven by a transparent original lamp drive system (not shown).

The light diffusing plate 21 is provided at a portion of the document cover 12 that comes into contact with the document placing table 18, and is milky white, and allows direct light from the transparent document lamp 20 to illuminate the transparent document placed on the document placing table 18. Through the sensor 1
This is to prevent the light from entering 7.

The operation of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 will be explained below.

(1) Operation of the automatic paper feeder 13 The automatic paper feeder 13 operates when the target document is a reflective document.

The documents stacked on the document feed table 14 are fed one by one into the automatic paper feeder 13 from below by a feed roller 22 . Next, separation roller 23
After being separated by , the document is sent onto the document table 18 . The original read on the original platen 18 is
The sheet is discharged to the outside of the automatic paper feeder 13 by the discharge roller 24.

(2) Reading a reflective original The reflective original lamp 16 in the sensor unit 15 placed at the bottom of the original placing table 18 in the housing 11
is turned on to illuminate the reflective original 19 on the original placing table 18, and the reflected light is sent to the sensor 1 in the sensor unit 15.
7, the image information is read. During the reading operation, the sensor unit 15 moves from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the reflective original 19 to be read.

(3) Reading of transparent originals Reflective original lamp 16 in sensor unit 15
After turning off the light, place the document placing table 1 inside the document cover 12.
Lamp 2 for transparent originals placed at the position corresponding to 8
0 is turned on to illuminate the transparent original 19 on the original table 18, and the transmitted light is detected by a sensor in the sensor unit 15, thereby reading image information. During the reading operation, the sensor unit 15 and the transparent original lamp 20 also move from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the transparent original 19 to be read.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the system configuration of an image scanner device to which the present invention is directed.

In the figure, 31 is a central control unit, 32 is a sensor, 33 is a video amplifier white/black correction section, 34 is a video data processing section, 35 is an interface section, 36 is a lamp control section for reflective originals, and 37 is a transparent original. Reference numeral 38 indicates a motor control section for moving the transparent original lamp, reference numeral 39 indicates a motor control section for moving the sensor unit, and reference numeral 40 indicates an automatic sheet feeder control section.

The sensor 32 is composed of a CCD or the like, and receives reflected light from a reflective original or transmitted light from a transparent original, and converts image information recorded on the original into an electrical signal.

The video amplifier white/black correction unit 33 includes the sensor 32
It amplifies the output and also corrects the white level and black level.

The video data processing section 34 includes a video amplifier white
The analog signal output from the black correction section 33 is converted into a digital signal and also subjected to binarization processing.

The interface section 35 is a section that exchanges data and signals with an external system.

The reflective original lamp control unit 36 turns on/off the reflective original lamp and adjusts the amount of light.

The transparent original lamp control unit 37 turns on/off the transparent original lamp and adjusts the amount of light.

The transparent original lamp movement motor control unit 38 includes:
When reading a transparent original, a motor for moving the transparent original lamp is controlled to move the transparent original lamp simultaneously with the sensor unit.

A sensor unit moving motor control section 39 controls a sensor unit moving motor for moving the sensor unit when reading a document.

The automatic paper feeder control unit 40 controls an automatic paper feeder that takes out a document stacked on a document feeder, transports it onto the document tray, and discharges the read document out of the apparatus.

The reading operation of a reflective original and a transparent original in the system shown in FIG. 3 will be described below.

(1) Reflective original flatbed reading (see the operation flow diagram in Figure 4) Place the reflective original on the original table.

The reflective original lamp control section 36 turns on the reflective original lamp.

The reflective original lamp control unit 36 adjusts the light amount of the reflective original lamp to stabilize the light amount.

The sensor 32 reads the white reference and the black reference, and the video amplifier white/black correction section 33 corrects the white level and black level based on the results.

Under the control of the sensor unit moving motor control section 39, the sensor 32 converts the reflected light from the image information recording surface of the reflective document into a video signal while moving the sensor unit consisting of a reflective document lamp, an optical system, and the sensor 32. Convert and read.

The sensor unit moves from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the reflective original.

With this, flatbed reading of one reflective original is completed. As many as the number of reflective originals~
Repeat the action.

(2) Reflective original conveyance reading (see the operation flow diagram in FIG. 5) The reflective original lamp control section 36 turns on the reflective original lamp.

The reflective original lamp control section 36 adjusts the light amount of the reflective original lamp to stabilize the light amount.

The sensor 32 reads the white reference and the black reference, and the video amplifier white/black correction section 33 corrects the white level and black level based on the results.

Under the control of the sensor unit moving motor control section 39, the sensor unit is moved to the document conveyance/reading position and then fixed.

The automatic paper feeder control unit 40 operates the automatic paper feeder according to instructions from the central controller 31,
The reflective original stacked on the original feed table is taken out and conveyed at a speed corresponding to the reading speed onto a sensor unit fixed at the original transport reading position.

The sensor 32 detects the reflected light from the image information recording surface of the reflective original passing above the sensor unit.
is converted into a video signal and read.

The reflective original is conveyed from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

This completes the conveyance and reading of one reflective original. Repeat the operation for the number of reflective originals.

(3) Reading a transparent original (see the operation flow diagram in Figure 6) Place the transparent original on the original table.

The reflective original lamp control section 36 turns off the reflective original lamp.

The transparent original lamp control section 37 turns on the transparent original lamp.

The transparent original lamp control section 37 adjusts the light amount of the transparent original lamp to stabilize the light amount.

The sensor 32 reads the white reference and the black reference, and the video amplifier white/black correction section 33 corrects the white level and black level based on the results.

While moving the sensor unit under the control of the sensor unit moving motor control section 39, the sensor 32 converts transmitted light from the transparent original into a video signal and reads the video signal.

The sensor unit moves from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the transparent original.

This completes the reading of one transparent original. Repeat the operation for the number of transparent originals.

What has been described above is the sequence of flatbed reading of a transparent original.

Next, a light amount equalization system for an image scanner device to which the present invention is directed will be explained.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of the configuration of the light amount equalization system.

In the figure, 41 is a CCD, 42 is an amplifier,
43 is an A/D converter, 44 is a white/black level correction circuit, 45 is a peak hold circuit, and 46 is an A/D converter.
47 is a D converter, 47 is an MPU, 48 is a reflective original lamp dimmer circuit, 49 is a transparent original lamp dimmer circuit, 50 is a reflective original lamp, and 51 is a transparent original lamp.

The operation of the light quantity equalization system shown in FIG. 7 will be explained below.

(1) Adjusting the light intensity of the reflective original lamp 50 The CCD 41 uses the light generated by the reflective original lamp 50 to move the original onto the original table (see reference numeral 18 in FIG. 2).
A peak hold circuit 45 holds the peak value of the CCD waveform at that time.

The peak value held by the peak hold circuit 45 is converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 46, and the MPU 47 monitors the value to make it equal to the reference value.
is controlled to adjust the light amount of the reflective document lamp 50.

(2) Adjusting the light intensity of the transparent original lamp 51 When no original is placed, the CCD 41 receives the light generated from the transparent original lamp 51 and transmitted through the light diffusion plate (see reference numeral 21 in Figure 2). ,at that time
Peak hold circuit 45 for the peak value of the CCD waveform
holds.

The peak value held by the peak hold circuit 45 is converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 46, and the MPU 47 monitors the value to make it equal to the reference value.
is controlled to adjust the light amount of the transparent document lamp 51.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example (part 2) of the light amount equalization system.

In the figure, 61 is an MPU, 62 is a reflective original lamp dimmer circuit, 63 is a transparent original lamp dimmer circuit, 64 is a reflective original lamp, 65 is a transparent original lamp, and 66 is a reflective original light amount monitor sensor. ,
67 is a light amount monitor sensor for transparent originals, 68 is A/
It is a D converter.

The operation of the light quantity equalization system shown in FIG. 8 will be explained below.

(1) Adjusting the light intensity of the reflective original lamp 64 The output signal of the reflective original light intensity monitor sensor 66 placed near the reflective original lamp 64 is A/D.
The converter 68 converts it into a digital value, the MPU 61 monitors the value, and controls the reflective original lamp dimming circuit 62 to adjust the light amount of the reflective original lamp 64 so that it is equal to the reference value.

(2) Adjusting the light intensity of the lamp 65 for transparent originals The output signal of the light intensity monitor sensor 67 for transparent originals placed near the lamp 65 for transparent originals is converted to A/D.
The converter 68 converts it into a digital value, the MPU 61 monitors the value, and controls the transparent original lamp dimming circuit 63 to adjust the light amount of the transparent original lamp 65 so that it becomes equal to a reference value.

In this system, a light amount monitor sensor 66 for reflective originals and a light amount monitor sensor 67 for transparent originals are used.
In order to make a correspondence between the sensitivity and the CCD output, it is necessary to adjust one of the reflective original lamp 64 and the transparent original lamp 65 using the other as a reference after assembling the apparatus. Now, using the reflective original lamp 64 as a reference, the reflective original lamp 64 is turned on at a predetermined dimming value, and the sensitivity and CCD output of the reflective original light amount monitor sensor 66 at that time are measured and recorded.
Then, the light amount monitor sensor 67 for transparent originals is turned on so that the relationship between the sensitivity of the light amount monitor sensor 67 for transparent originals and the CCD output is the same as when the lamp 64 for reflective originals is turned on.
Adjust and fix the output value using a variable resistor, etc. In this way, the light amount of the reflective original lamp 64 and the light amount of the transparent original lamp 65 can be controlled to be equal.

Next, a positioning method in the image scanner device according to the present invention will be specifically explained.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a positioning method.

In the figure, 71 is the scanner body, 72 is the transmission unit, 73 is the carrier drive system with CCD, and 7 is the scanner body.
4 is the lamp drive system, 75 is the carrier with CCD, 7
6 is the lamp, 77 is the home position of the carrier with CCD, 78 is the home position of the lamp, 7
9 is a CCD reading unit, and 80 is a reading start position.

The image scanner device to which this embodiment is applied is provided with a document placement table on its surface, and a scanner main body 71 incorporating a CCD-equipped carrier 75 and a CCD-equipped carrier drive system 73 is provided to face the document placement table. , a transmission unit 72 incorporating a lamp 76 and a lamp drive system 74 for irradiating a transmission original.

To read a transparent original, the light generated by the lamp 76 is irradiated onto the transparent original placed on the original table.
This is done by receiving the transmitted light from the transparent original by the CCD reading section 79 and reading the image information recorded on the transparent original.

During the reading operation, the lamp 76 is connected to the lamp drive system 7.
4, the CCD-equipped carrier 75 is separately driven by the CCD-equipped carrier drive system 73. Therefore, at the start of reading, the lamp 76 and the CCD
It is necessary that both of the CCD reading sections 79 of the attached carrier 75 are accurately positioned at the reading start position 80.

This embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 and related operation flow diagrams.

(1) When power is turned on (see Figures 10 and 11) Turn on the power.

Lamp 76 to lamp home position 7
8, return the CCD-equipped carrier 75 to the CCD-equipped carrier home position 77.

The lamp 76 is turned on and fixed in that position.

While moving the carrier with CCD 75 to the right, move the carrier with CCD to the home position 7.
Count the number of pulses from 7.

It is determined whether the CCD output is greater than the slice level P.

If NO, return to processing.

If YES, proceed to the next process.

Carrier home position 77 with CCD
Write the number of pulses from (a) to the register.

While moving the CCD-equipped carrier 75 further to the right, the number of pulses from the CCD-equipped carrier's home position 77 is counted.

It is determined whether the CCD output is smaller than the slice level P.

If NO, return to processing.

If YES, proceed to the next process.

The movement of the carrier 75 with CCD is stopped.

Carrier home position 77 with CCD
Write the number of pulses from (b) to the register.

Home position 7 of the carrier with CCD when the CCD output becomes larger than the slice level P written in the register
The number of pulses from 7 (a) and the CCD at the point when the CCD output becomes smaller than the slice level P
From the number of pulses (b) from the home position 77 of the attached carrier, x=(a+b)/2 is calculated and x is written into the register.

x is the number of pulses from the home position 77 of the carrier with CCD at the reading start position 80.

〓〓 Move the carrier 75 with CCD to the left.

〓〓 It is determined whether the CCD-equipped carrier 75 has come to the CCD-equipped carrier's home position 77.

If NO, return to step 11.

If YES, proceed to the next step 13.

〓〓 Stop the movement of the carrier 75 with CCD,
Fix it to home position 77 of the carrier with CCD.

〓〓 After each of the above processes, the preparation for reading the transparent original is completed.

(2) When reading a transparent original (see Figure 12) After placing the transparent original on the original placing table, an instruction is given to start reading the original.

The carrier with CCD 75 is moved from the home position 77 of the carrier with CCD to the right by the number of pulses (x) representing the reading start position 80 written in the register.

The movement of the carrier 75 with CCD is temporarily stopped.

The ramp 76 and the carrier 75 with CCD are moved to the right at the same time and at the same speed.

The light generated by the lamp 76 is irradiated onto the transparent original, and the transmitted light from the transparent original is transmitted to the CCD reading section 7.
9 receives light and converts it into an electrical signal, thereby reading the image information recorded on the transparent original.

Finish reading the transparent original.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, when reading a transparent original with an image scanner device equipped with an automatic paper feeder that can read both reflective originals and transparent originals, the light source for irradiating the transparent original and the transmitted light are separately driven. Alignment with the light-receiving sensor can be performed with high precision by simply using its inherent functions, without requiring a complicated mechanism.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external appearance of an image scanner device to which the present invention is directed, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image scanner device to which the present invention is directed, and FIG. 3 is a diagram to which the present invention is directed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the image scanner device, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operational flow of reflective original flatbed reading, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operational flow of reflective original conveyance reading, and FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light intensity equalization system (part 1), FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light intensity equalization system (part 2), Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the positioning method, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation flow when the power is turned on (part 1), Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the operation flow when the power is turned on (part 2), FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of a transparent original reading operation, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a conventional image scanner apparatus for reflective originals, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a conventional image scanner apparatus for transparent originals. In Fig. 2, 11...Housing, 12...Transmissive unit that also serves as a document cover, 13...Automatic paper feeder, 14...Document feed tray, 15...Sensor unit, 16...Reflective document lamp , 17...Sensor, 18...Document mounting table, 19...Document, 20...
...Lamp for transparent original, 21...Light diffusion plate, 22...
...Feeding roller, 23...Separation roller, 24...
...Ejection roller.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A casing having a document placing table on its surface, a document cover for holding down the original placed on the document placing table, and automatically transporting the document onto the document placing table. A sensor unit including a reflective document light source and a sensor is arranged below the document table in the housing, and a sensor unit including a reflective document light source and a sensor is placed inside the document cover at a position corresponding to the document table.
A method for aligning a light source and a sensor when reading a transparent original with an image scanner device equipped with a light source for transparent originals, which includes: a process of returning the light source and sensor to respective predetermined home positions when power is turned on; and a light source. lights up in its home position,
While fixing the sensor at that position, while moving the sensor, the sensor output value is compared with a predetermined slice level, and at the same time, the number of pulses from the sensor home position is counted, and the sensor output value is sliced. The process of writing the number of pulses from the sensor home position into the register at the point when the sensor output exceeds the peak The process of writing the number of pulses from the home position to the register, and the time when the sensor output value written to the register becomes greater than the slice level, the number of pulses from the sensor home position and the sensor output value are sliced. The position of the light source is expressed by dividing the sum of the number of pulses from the sensor home position by 2 at the time when the pulse becomes smaller than the level.
Read preparation is completed through the process of calculating the number of pulses from the sensor home position and writing it to the register, and the process of returning the sensor to the sensor home position.When reading starts, the sensor is moved from the sensor home position. The process of moving the light source by the number of pulses from the sensor home position, which is written in the register and representing the position of the light source, and temporarily stopping at that position, and the process of moving the light source and sensor at the same speed at the same time. 1. A positioning method for an image scanner device, which includes a process of starting reading a transparent original.