JP2000115455A - Image reader and read scanning control method in the image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To substantially reduce waiting time until reading of a succeeding image is started, to reduce a generated heat in a motor driving a read optical system, to realize power saving, and to reduce the cost of the power supply and the drive circuit. SOLUTION: This image reader has an optical unit 3 provided with a line sensor 5, a drive means 6 that drives the optical unit 3 in a subscanning direction, a home position detection means 10 that detects a home position of the optical unit 3 corresponding to a read start position of an original in the subscanning direction, a scanning direction decision means 9 that decides the direction of a succeeding scanning to be in a forward direction or a reverse direction depending on the position of the optical unit 3 at the end of scanning, and a control means 8 that controls the drive means 6 based on the decided scanning direction and a scanning command by a host computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and a reading / scanning control method in the image reading apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for reading characters, figures, and images of documents / magazines / photographs to a computer or a network. The present invention is applicable to an image scanner for outputting, a film scanner for reading a film and outputting it to a computer or a network, etc., and is particularly suitable for performing reciprocal reading of a document image. In the scanning control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image scanner or a film scanner as an image reading apparatus, a CCD (Charge C) has been used.
oupled Device: The main scanning is performed using a line sensor or a contact type line sensor, and the sub scanning is performed by driving the original and the line sensor relatively in the main scanning direction and the vertical direction using a stepping motor. , An image reading device is provided.

The above-mentioned image scanners include a flatbed type which reads a document placed on a platen, and a sheet fed type which reads a sheet document while moving it with a roller. Further, in the above-described film scanner, a document is mounted on a document table with a holder interposed therebetween, and a reading optical system including a line sensor for performing main scanning and a relative scanning with respect to the document are performed to perform sub-scanning. And a method of reading by performing sub-scanning while directly feeding the film in a vertical direction to a line sensor for performing main scanning.

In the conventional flatbed type image scanner, a reference position for starting scanning in sub-scanning when reading an image is determined by setting a home position provided at a position corresponding to a reference position of a document provided on a document table. Reading was always performed in one direction based on the standard. However, in this case, it is necessary to relatively return the reading optical system to the reference position of the original (return) before starting reading the next original, which takes time.
At the time of return, control was performed such that a stepping motor used for driving the reading optical system was driven in a trapezoidal shape, rotated at high speed, and the reading optical system was returned to the home position in a short time.

[0005]

In the above-described prior art, the time required to return the reading optical system to the home position after scanning is reduced, thereby shortening the time required to start reading the next image. However, in order to shorten the time until the start of reading the next image, it is necessary to use a motor with good characteristics or to improve the motor torque characteristics by using a constant current drive circuit. In addition, there is a problem that costs are required for a driving circuit, a power supply, and the like. On the other hand, as described above, there is a problem that it takes time to start reading the next image if the cost is not increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and substantially reduces a waiting time until the start of reading a next image, suppresses heat generation of a motor for driving a reading optical system, and It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus and a reading / scanning control method in the image reading apparatus, which realize power saving and can further reduce the cost of a power supply and a driving circuit.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention performs a relative sub-scan of a document and image reading means to read a document image in a forward direction or a reverse direction. Driving means for driving the image reading means in the sub-scanning direction, detection means for detecting a reference position of the image reading means corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction, and It is characterized in that it has a deciding means for deciding the next scan in either the forward direction or the backward direction according to the position of the image reading means, and a control means for controlling the driving means based on the decided scanning direction.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is an image reading apparatus for relatively sub-scanning a document and image reading means to read an image of the document in a forward direction or a reverse direction,
Driving means for driving the document holding member in the sub-scanning direction, detecting means for detecting a reference position of the document holding member corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction, and a position of the document holding member at the end of scanning And a control unit that controls the driving unit based on the determined scanning direction.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the control means returns the image reading means to the reference position when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction. When the scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading unit is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means returns the document holding member to a reference position when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction. When the scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the document holding member is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the driving means has a motor such as a stepping motor, and the control means determines that a next scanning direction is a first sub-scanning direction. Return the image reading means to the reference position, release the excitation of the motor and wait for the next scanning command, and determine that the next scanning direction is opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. Moves the image reading means to the scanning start position on the opposite side and reduces the exciting current of the motor to a hold state, and when there is a scanning command within a fixed time, the first sub-scanning direction is Scan in the opposite direction,
If there is no scanning command after a lapse of a predetermined time, the image reading means is returned to the reference position and the excitation of the motor is released.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the driving means has a motor such as a stepping motor, and the control means determines that a next scanning direction is a first sub-scanning direction. If the original holding member is returned to the reference position, the excitation of the motor is released, and the next scanning command is waited.If the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. Moves the document holding member to the scanning start position on the opposite side and reduces the exciting current of the motor to a hold state, and when there is a scanning command within a certain time, the first sub-scanning direction is Scan in the opposite direction,
When there is no scanning command after a lapse of a predetermined time, the original holding member is returned to a reference position, and the excitation of the motor is released.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the determining means comprises: a current position of the image reading means from a reference position; a hold time of the driving means; a current or immediately preceding sub-scanning direction; The driving unit is in a state of sub-scanning, holding, or de-excitation, is initializing, is reading an image, is returning the image reading unit relatively to a reference position, or is waiting. It is characterized in that scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with such a state.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the determining means comprises: a current position of the document holding member from a reference position; a holding time of the driving means; The driving unit is in a state of sub-scanning, holding, or excitation release, is initializing, is reading an image, is returning to relatively return the document holding member to a reference position, or is waiting. It is characterized in that scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with such a state.

In order to achieve the above object, a ninth aspect of the present invention is that the detecting means includes a projection provided on the image reading means, a seal having a reflectance different from that of other parts, or a document on a document placing surface. It is characterized by detecting an optical mark.

In order to achieve the above object, a tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the detecting means magnetically detects the position of the image reading means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that the detecting means comprises a slit or a projection provided on the document holding member, a seal having a different reflectance from other portions, or an optical mark. Is detected.

In order to achieve the above object, a twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the detecting means magnetically detects the position of the document holding member.

To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 13 is characterized in that it can be applied to an image scanner for reading a document, a photograph, and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 14 is characterized in that it can be applied to a film scanner for reading a film.

[0021] To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 15 is characterized in that it can be connected to a network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scanning control method in an image reading apparatus for performing sub scanning relative to a document and image reading means and reading a document image in a forward direction or a reverse direction. A driving step of driving the image reading unit in the sub-scanning direction; a detecting step of detecting a reference position of the image reading unit corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; and It is characterized by comprising a determining step of determining the next scan in either the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the position of the reading means, and a control step of controlling the driving step based on the determined scanning direction.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to a seventeenth aspect is a reading scanning control method in an image reading apparatus which performs sub scanning relative to an original and image reading means and reads an image of the original in a forward direction or a reverse direction. A driving step of driving the document holding member in the sub-scanning direction; a detecting step of detecting a reference position of the document holding member corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; It is characterized by comprising a determining step of determining the next scan in either the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the position of the member, and a control step of controlling the driving step based on the determined scanning direction.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 18, in the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is returned to the reference position, When the scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading unit is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that, in the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the original holding member is returned to the reference position, When the scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the document holding member is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the driving step, driving is performed using a motor such as a stepping motor, and in the control step, a next scanning direction is a first sub-scanning direction. When it is determined to be, the image reading means is returned to the reference position, and the excitation of the motor is released to wait for the next scanning command, and the next scanning direction is determined in a direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. If so, move the image reading means to the scanning start position on the opposite side and reduce the exciting current of the motor to a hold state,
If there is a scanning command within a certain time, the scanning is performed in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. The excitation is canceled.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 21 is characterized in that in the driving step, driving is performed using a motor such as a stepping motor, and in the control step, the next scanning direction is the first sub-scanning direction. If it is determined that the original holding member is returned to the reference position, the excitation of the motor is released, and the next scanning command is waited for, and the next scanning direction is determined in a direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. If so, the document holding member is moved to the opposite scanning start position and the exciting current of the motor is reduced to a hold state,
If there is a scan command within a certain period of time, the scanning is performed in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and if there is no scan command after a certain period of time, the document holding member is returned to the reference position and the motor is rotated. The excitation is canceled.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 22, wherein in the determining step, a current position of the image reading means from a reference position, a hold time of the driving step, a current or immediately preceding sub-scanning direction, The driving step is in a state of sub-scanning, holding, or excitation release, initialization, image reading, return of returning the image reading unit to the reference position relatively, or waiting. It is characterized in that scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with such a state.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the determining step, a current position of the document holding member from a reference position, a hold time of the driving step, a current or previous sub-scanning direction, The driving step is in a state of sub-scanning, holding, or excitation release, initialization, image reading, return of returning the document holding member to a reference position relatively, or waiting. It is characterized in that scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with such a state.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is that, in the detecting step, a projection provided on the image reading means or a seal having a reflectance different from that of other parts.
Alternatively, an optical mark on a document placing surface is detected.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 25 is characterized in that in the detecting step, the position of the image reading means is magnetically detected.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the detecting step, a slit or a projection provided on the document holding member, a seal having a reflectance different from other portions, or an optical mark is provided. Is detected.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 27 is characterized in that in the detecting step, the position of the document holding member is magnetically detected.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 28 is characterized in that it can be applied to an image scanner for reading documents, photographs, and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 29 is characterized in that it can be applied to a film scanner for reading a film.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 30 is characterized in that it can be applied to an image reading apparatus connected to a network.

[0037]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configurations of an image reading apparatus (image scanner) and a host computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. An image reading apparatus (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a platen glass 2, an optical unit 3 having a light source 4 and a line sensor 5,
The configuration includes a driving unit 6, an image processing unit 7, a control unit 8, a scanning direction determining unit 9, a home position detecting unit 10, and a document reference mark 13. In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes a host computer.

The structure of each section will be described in detail. The platen glass 2 is for placing a document 1 such as a book / magazine / document / photograph. A document reference mark 13 (see FIG. 2) indicating a document reading reference position is provided near the corner of the document glass 2. The optical unit 3 includes a light source 4 for illuminating the original 1 via the original platen glass 2, a lens (not shown) for guiding an illuminated optical image of the original 1 to a line sensor 5,
This unit includes a line sensor 5 for reading the formed optical image in the main scanning direction, and is configured as, for example, a contact sensor (CIS) or an integrated optical system. The line sensor 5 of the optical unit 3 is, for example, a CMOS (C
omplementary MOS (Complementary MOS) sensor and CCD
(Charge Coupled Device).

The driving means 6 is for driving the optical unit 3 in the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction with respect to the original 1 to perform sub-scanning, and includes a stepping motor.
The image processing unit 7 receives the image signal 11 output from the line sensor 5 of the optical unit 3, performs analog signal processing, A (analog) / D (digital) conversion, and digital image processing, and performs an external operation such as a host computer 12. Output to device. The control means 8 includes a driving means 6, an image processing means 7 based on a command 12 a from the host computer 12, scanning direction information 9 a outputted from the scanning direction determining means 9, and home position information 10 a outputted from the home position detecting means 10. Control.

The scanning direction determining means 9 determines the current position of the optical unit 3 from the home position, the hold time of the stepping motor included in the driving means 6, the current or previous sub-scanning direction, and the driving means 6 State, hold or excitation release, image reader (image scanner) is initializing, image reading, return (optical system is relatively returned to the reference position), waiting The scanning direction information 9a indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with the state such as whether or not there is a scanning direction.

The home position detection means 10
For detecting the position of the optical unit 3 in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to the tip position of the optical unit 3. For example, a photo-interrupter or a microswitch for detecting a protrusion (not shown) provided on the optical unit 3; It is composed of a magnetic sensor or the like that magnetically detects the position. As another method for detecting the position of the optical unit 3 in the sub-scanning direction, an optical mark provided on the original surface of the original platen glass 2 is read by the optical unit 3 to detect the reference position of the leading end of the original. You may. The host computer 12 issues a command to the control means 8 of the image reading device (image scanner) to cause the scanning of the document 1 to be performed, and receives the read image information from the image processing means 7 to perform processing.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image reading apparatus (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Frame 1 of image reading device (image scanner)
The document table glass 2 is provided on the document table 4, and a document reference mark 13 is provided near one of the four corners of the document table glass 2. When the original 1 is placed on the platen glass 2, the original reference mark 13
The document 1 is placed with the document face down. In the figure, 15 is the main scanning direction of the image reading device (image scanner), 16 is the sub-scanning direction (forward direction) of the image reading device (image scanner), and 17 is the sub-scanning direction (reverse direction) of the image reading device (image scanner). ).

Next, the processing relating to the scanning direction of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 and the excitation control in the image reading apparatus (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.

When the power of the image reading apparatus (image scanner) is turned on (step S1), the control means 8 initializes a flag (SDFLG) indicating the previous scanning direction and initializes a flag (SDIR) indicating the next scanning direction. Become That is, the flag SDFLG = 1 and the flag SDIR = 0 are set (step S2). When the initialization is completed, the control means 8 determines whether or not the apparatus is on standby (step S3), and waits until the apparatus is on standby. When the control unit 8 is on standby, the control unit 8 checks the flag SDFLG to determine whether the previous scanning direction is the forward direction (step S11). If the previous scanning direction was the forward direction (SDFLG = 0), the process proceeds to step S12, and if the previous scanning direction was the reverse direction (SDFLG = 1), the process proceeds to step S22.

If it is determined in step S11 that the previous scanning direction is the forward direction (SDFLG = 0), the control means 8 schedules the next scanning direction in the reverse direction.
That is, "1" is set to the flag SDIR (SDIR =
1) Perform (Step S12). Next, the control unit 8 controls the driving of the stepping motor of the driving unit 6 and moves the optical unit 3 to the rear end side reading start position (Step S).
13). Further, the control means 8 lowers the exciting current of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 so as to avoid the temperature rise and put it in the hold state (step S14). Further, the control means 8 starts a timer (step S15), and thereafter determines whether or not the value of the timer is equal to or less than a set value (for example, 5 minutes) (step S16). If the timer value is less than the set value, step S
The process proceeds to step S17, and if the value of the timer exceeds the set value, the process proceeds to step S22.

If it is determined in step S16 that the timer value is equal to or smaller than the set value, the control means 8 determines whether a scan start command (scan command) has been received from the host computer 12 (step S17). When a scanning start command is received from the host computer 12, the control means 8 notifies the host computer 12 of the scanning direction, and controls the driving of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 to perform scanning in the reverse direction (step S20). The flag (SDFLG) indicating the scan direction is set to "1" indicating the reverse direction (SDFLG = 1) (step S21). Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

If it is determined in step S17 that no scanning start command has been received from the host computer 12, the control means 8 determines whether another command has been received from the host computer 12 (step S18).
If another command is received from the host computer 12, after performing other processing (step S19),
The process returns to step S16. If no other command has been received from the host computer 12, the process returns to step S16.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the previous scanning direction is the reverse direction (SDFLG = 1),
The control means 8 schedules the next scanning direction in the forward direction. That is, "0" is set to the flag SDIR (SDIR
= 0) (step S22). Next, the control means 8 controls the driving of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 and moves the optical unit 3 to the home position (step S2).
3). Further, the control means 8 sets the exciting current of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 to "0" and cancels the excitation (step S24).

After the processing in step S24, the control means 8
Determines whether a scan start command (scan command) has been received from the host computer 12 (step S2).
5). If a scan start command has not been received from the host computer 12, the control means 8 determines whether or not another command has been received from the host computer 12 (step S26). After performing other processing (step S27), the process returns to step S25. If no other command has been received from the host computer 12, the process returns to step S25.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that a scanning start command has been received from the host computer 12, the control means 8 notifies the host computer 12 of the scanning direction, and the home position detection means 10 detects the home position. (Step S28) The driving of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 is controlled to move the optical unit 3 to the reading start position. Further, the control means 8 controls the driving of the stepping motor of the driving means 6 to perform forward scanning (step S29), and sets a flag (SDFLG) indicating the previous scanning direction to "0" indicating the forward direction (SDFLG). = 0) (step S30). After this,
The process returns to step S11.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the image is read in the forward or reverse direction by relatively sub-scanning the original and the line sensor 5, and the image information is output. In an image reading apparatus (image scanner), an optical unit 3 including an original table glass 2 for holding an original, an original reference mark 13 for determining a holding position of the original, and a line sensor 5 for reading an optical image formed.
And a driving unit 6 having a stepping motor for performing sub-scanning by driving the optical unit 3 in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction with respect to the original, and corresponding to a reading start position of the original in the first sub-scanning direction. Home position detecting means 10 for detecting the reference position of the optical unit 3 and scanning direction determining means 9 for determining whether the next scanning is to be performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the position of the optical unit 3 at the end of scanning. And control means 8 for transmitting information about the reading direction to the host computer 12 and controlling the driving means 6 based on the scanning direction determined by the scanning direction determining means 9 and an instruction from the host computer 12. The means 8 returns the optical unit 3 to the home position and releases the excitation of the stepping motor when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction. When the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the optical unit 3 is moved to the opposite scanning start position and the exciting current of the stepping motor is reduced. When the scanning command is issued within a predetermined time, the optical unit 3 is scanned in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. In order to perform control to release the excitation of the stepping motor, the following effects are obtained.

With the above configuration, the image reading apparatus (image scanner) reads an image not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction. Further, the detection of the home position is performed only at the reading start position in the forward direction. After the scanning in the forward direction is completed, the optical unit 3 is moved to the reading start position in the backward direction according to the end of the scanning. Reduce and hold the motor excitation current. If the next scanning instruction is received from the host computer 12 within a certain period of time, information indicating that the backward scanning is to be performed is sent to the host computer 12, and then scanning is performed in the backward direction from the backward reading start position. Start. The read image information is sent to the host computer 12, and the scanner driver of the host computer 12 performs a process corresponding to the fact that the order of the images is in the reverse order in the sub-scanning direction in the case of the reverse reading. On the other hand, when the optical unit 3 is stopped at the backward reading start position, and when there is no scanning instruction from the host computer 12 within a fixed time,
The optical unit 3 is returned to the home position, the stepping motor current of the driving means 6 is set to 0, the excitation is released, and the host computer 12 waits for an instruction regarding the next scan.

Therefore, the image reading apparatus (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. . Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving unit 6 mounted on the image reading apparatus (image scanner) can be reduced, heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed, power consumption can be reduced, and the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit can be reduced. There is an effect that it can be reduced.

[2] Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configurations of an image reading apparatus (film scanner) and a host computer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The image reading apparatus (film scanner) according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a film holder 22, an optical system 23, a light source 24, a CCD line sensor 2
5. Document driving means 26, image processing means 27, control means 2
8, drive control means 29, home position detection means 30
Is provided. In the figure, reference numeral 32 denotes a host computer.

The film holder 22 is for holding the film 21 as an original, and optical marks are added at positions corresponding to the leading and trailing ends of the original (film). Have been. As the optical mark, various types such as a slit formed in the film holder, a projection formed in the film holder, or a seal attached to the film holder and having a different reflectance from the others can be applied. The optical system 23 converts the image of the film 21 into C
This is an image forming optical system for forming an image on the photoelectric conversion surface of the CD line sensor 25. The light source 24 illuminates the film 21. The CCD line sensor 25 converts the optical image formed on the photoelectric conversion surface into an electric signal.

The original driving means 26 has a stepping motor, and drives the film holder 22 holding the film 21 in the sub-scanning direction. The image processing means 27
The analog signal, A (analog) / D (digital) conversion, and digital image processing are performed on the image signal 31 that has been photoelectrically converted and output by the CD line sensor 25, and is output to an external device such as the host computer 32. The control means 28 includes home position detection information 30 a from the home position detection means 30 and drive control information 26 from the drive control means 29.
a from the host computer 32
The image is read by controlling the drive control means 29 and the image processing means 27 according to a.

The drive control means 29 determines the current position of the film holder 22 from the home position,
6, the holding time of the stepping motor, the direction of the current or previous sub-scanning, the state of the document drive means 26 during the sub-scanning, the holding, or the excitation release, and the image reading device (film scanner) reading the image. The control unit 2 sends the scanning direction information 29a indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan according to the state of whether there is a return, a standby, or the like.
8 and controls scanning in accordance with a command from the control means 28. The drive control means 29 corresponds to the scanning direction determination means 9 of the first embodiment.

The home position detecting means 30 detects the position of the film holder 22 in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to the leading end position of the film 21 as a document.
For example, a photo interrupter or a micro switch for detecting a slit or a projection provided on the film holder 22 or a seal having a different reflectance from other portions, or a magnetic sensor for magnetically detecting the position of the film holder 22 is provided. Have been. The host computer 32 issues a command to the control means 28 of the image reading device (film scanner) to scan the original (film 21), and receives the read image information from the image processing means 27 to perform processing.

In the drawing, reference numeral 33 denotes a document front end mark provided at a position corresponding to the front end position of the film 21 of the film holder 22, and reference numeral 34 denotes a document rear end mark provided at a position corresponding to the rear end position of the film 21 of the film holder 22. Is shown. still,
As another embodiment, an optical mark provided on the film holder 22 is read by the CCD line sensor 25,
The reference position of the leading edge of the document may be detected.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a film holder of an image reading apparatus (film scanner) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 (a) shows the structure of a film holder holding a 6.times.6 film. FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of a film holder holding a 6 × 12 film. The illustrated film holder 22 is, for example, 6 × 4.5 cm to 6 × 1.
It is designed to be commonly used up to 2 cm,
The tip of the image is 6 × 4.5, 6 × 6, 6 × 7, 6 × 9,
The position is the same for films of any size of 6 × 12. However, the trailing edge of the image is different for each film size.

The image reading apparatus (film scanner) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the size of an image to be read can be specified. The film holder 22 is provided with only one rear end mark at a position corresponding to the rear end of the image when a 6 × 12 cm film is read. Not located. Also, 6 ×
The 4.5 cm film has less than half the sub-scanning direction as compared to the 6 × 12 cm film, and this 6 × 4.5 cm
Detecting the trailing edge mark of the film is time consuming because useless scanning must be performed.

Therefore, when a small-sized film is designated, it is better not to use the trailing edge mark but to manage the image reading range based on the leading edge mark and the number of steps of the stepping motor of the document driving means 26. Good. This applies to the case where the image reading range is specified, and the detection of the rear end mark may lead to a time loss. In such a case, similarly to the first embodiment, the film holder 22 is moved to the rear end position of the image reading range, and the excitation of the stepping motor of the document driving unit 26 is set to the hold state. Waiting for a next scan start command from the host computer 32, and receiving a scan start command from the host computer 32 within a certain period of time, scanning in the reverse direction from that position and outputting image data to the host computer 32. Thus, loss of time until the start of the next scan can be eliminated.

On the other hand, if a command to start scanning is not received from the host computer 32 within a certain time, the film holder 22 is returned and the home position detecting means 30 is returned.
To detect the leading edge mark, release the excitation of the stepping motor of the document driving means 26, and reduce power consumption and heat generation.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the image is read in the forward or reverse direction by relatively sub-scanning the original and the CCD line sensor 25.
Image reading device that outputs image information (film scanner)
, A film holder 22 for holding a film 21
And document leading edge mark 3 for determining the document holding position
3, a document rear end mark 34, a CCD line sensor 25 that converts an optical image formed on the photoelectric conversion surface into an electric signal,
An original driving unit 26 having a stepping motor for performing sub-scanning by driving the film holder 22 in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction with respect to the original;
Drive control means 29 for determining whether the next scan is to be performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction in accordance with the position of the document holder 2 and the film holder 2 corresponding to the reading start position of the document in the first sub-scanning direction.
Home position detecting means 30 for detecting the second reference position
Control means 2 for transmitting information about the reading direction to the host computer 32 and controlling the drive control means 29 based on an instruction from the host computer 32.
When the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the control means 28 returns the film holder 22 to the home position and cancels the excitation of the stepping motor to issue the next scanning command. When the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the film holder 22 is moved to the opposite scanning start position and the exciting current of the stepping motor is reduced to be in the hold state. If there is a scan command within a certain period of time, scanning is performed in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. If there is no scan command after a certain period of time, the film holder 22 is returned to the home position and the stepping motor is excited. Since the control for canceling is performed, the following effects are obtained.

With the above configuration, the image reading apparatus (film scanner) reads an image not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction. Further, the home position is detected only at the reading start position in the forward direction, and after the scanning in the forward direction is completed, the film holder 22 is moved to the reading start position in the reverse direction according to the end of the scanning, and
The excitation current of the stepping motor of No. 6 is reduced and held. When the next scanning instruction is given from the host computer 32 within a predetermined time, after the information to perform the backward scanning is sent to the host computer 32, the scanning is performed in the backward direction from the backward scanning start position. Start. The read image information is sent to the host computer 32. In the case of reverse reading, the scanner driver of the host computer 32 performs processing corresponding to the fact that the arrangement of images is in the reverse order in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, when the film holder 22 is stopped at the reverse reading start position, and when there is no scanning instruction from the host computer 32 within a predetermined time, the film holder 2 is moved to the home position.
2 is returned, the stepping motor current of the document driving means 26 is set to 0, the excitation is released, and the host computer 32 waits for an instruction regarding the next scan.

Accordingly, the image reading apparatus (film scanner) according to the second embodiment of the present invention has an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. . Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the document driving unit 26 mounted on the image reading apparatus (film scanner) can be reduced, heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed, power saving can be realized, and the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit can be reduced. This has the effect that it can be reduced.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0073]

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the document and the image reading means are relatively sub-scanned, and the image of the document is read in the forward or reverse direction. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a driving unit that drives the image reading unit in the sub-scanning direction; a detection unit that detects a reference position of the image reading unit corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; And a control unit that controls the driving unit based on the determined scanning direction. The determining unit determines the next scan in either the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the position of the image reading unit at the time. The effect is as follows. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for relatively sub-scanning an original and image reading means to read an image of the original in a forward or reverse direction. Driving means for driving the holding member in the sub-scanning direction,
Detecting means for detecting a reference position of the document holding member corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; and performing a next scan in either a forward direction or a reverse direction according to the position of the document holding member at the end of scanning. Since it has the determining means for determining the scanning direction and the control means for controlling the driving means based on the determined scanning direction, the following effects are obtained. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the control means returns the image reading means to the reference position when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction. When the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is moved to the opposite scanning start position, so that the following effects are obtained. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the control means returns the document holding member to the reference position, When the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the document holding member is moved to the scanning start position on the opposite side, so that the following effects are obtained. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the driving means has a motor such as a stepping motor, and the control means determines that the next scanning direction is the first sub-scanning direction. If so, the image reading means is returned to the reference position, and the excitation of the motor is released to wait for a next scanning instruction, and the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. In the case, the image reading unit is moved to the opposite scanning start position and the exciting current of the motor is reduced to be in the hold state, and when there is a scanning command within a predetermined time, the first sub-scanning direction and Scans in the reverse direction, and if there is no scan command after a certain period of time, the image reading means is returned to the reference position and the excitation of the motor is released, so that the following effects are obtained. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Also,
Since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, there is an effect that heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed, power saving can be realized, and costs of a power supply and a driving circuit can be reduced.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the driving means has a motor such as a stepping motor, and the control means determines that the next scanning direction is the first sub-scanning direction. If so, the document holding member is returned to the reference position, and the excitation of the motor is released to wait for a next scanning instruction, and the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction. In this case, the original holding member is moved to the opposite scanning start position and the exciting current of the motor is reduced to be in the hold state, and when a scanning command is issued within a predetermined time, the first sub-scanning direction and Scans in the reverse direction, and if there is no scan command after a certain period of time, the original holding member is returned to the reference position and the excitation of the motor is released, so that the following effects are obtained. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Also,
Since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, there is an effect that heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed, power saving can be realized, and costs of a power supply and a driving circuit can be reduced.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the deciding means includes a current position from a reference position of the image reading means, a hold time of the driving means, a current or immediately preceding sub-scanning direction. The driving means is in the sub-scanning, holding, or de-excitation state, is initializing, is reading an image, is returning the image reading means relatively to the reference position, or is waiting. Since the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output according to the state of the presence or the like, the following effects are obtained. As described above, the determining unit outputs the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scanning, and the control unit controls the driving unit based on the scanning direction information, so that the next image is output. There is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading is substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the deciding means includes a current position of the document holding member from a reference position, a hold time of the driving means, a current or previous sub-scanning direction. The driving means is in the sub-scanning, holding, or de-energized state, is initializing, is reading an image, is returning the document holding member relatively to the reference position, or is waiting. Since the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output according to the state of the presence or the like, the following effects are obtained. As described above, the determining unit outputs the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scanning, and the control unit controls the driving unit based on the scanning direction information, so that the next image is output. There is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading is substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the detecting means includes a projection provided on the image reading means, a seal having a reflectance different from that of the other portions, or a document mounting surface. The following effects are obtained because the optical mark is detected. By controlling the driving means by the control means based on the detection of the detection means, as described above,
This has the effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the detecting means magnetically detects the position of the image reading means, the following effects can be obtained. By controlling the driving unit by the control unit based on the detection of the detection unit, the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced, as described above. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the detecting means includes a slit or a projection provided on the document holding member, a seal having a different reflectance from other portions, or an optical system. The following effects are obtained because the mark is detected. By controlling the driving unit by the control unit based on the detection of the detection unit, the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced, as described above. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the detecting means magnetically detects the position of the document holding member, the following effects can be obtained. By controlling the driving unit by the control unit based on the detection of the detection unit, the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced, as described above. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, the present invention can be applied to an image scanner for reading a document, a photograph, and the like, and has the following effects. In the image scanner, similarly to the above, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the present invention can be applied to a film scanner for reading a film, the following effects can be obtained. In the film scanner, similarly to the above, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the apparatus can be connected to a network, the following effects can be obtained. As described above, in the image reading apparatus connected to the network, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the read scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the image reading apparatus scans the document in the forward direction or the reverse direction by relatively sub-scanning the document and the image reading means. A driving step of driving the image reading unit in the sub-scanning direction, a detecting step of detecting a reference position of the image reading unit corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction,
A determining step of determining the next scan in either the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the position of the image reading unit at the end of scanning;
And a control step of controlling the driving step based on the determined scanning direction. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to the read scanning control method for an image reading apparatus of the present invention, an image reading apparatus for performing sub scanning relative to a document and image reading means and reading an image of the document in a forward direction or a reverse direction. A driving step of driving the document holding member in the sub-scanning direction; a detecting step of detecting a reference position of the document holding member corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; A determination step of determining the next scan in either a forward direction or a reverse direction according to the position of the document holding member at the time of termination; and a control step of controlling the driving step based on the determined scan direction. The following effects are obtained. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to the read scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is controlled. Returning to the reference position, when the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is moved to the opposite scanning start position, so that the following effects are obtained. . By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the original holding member is moved to the first sub-scanning direction. When the document is returned to the reference position and the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the document holding member is moved to the scanning start position on the opposite side. . By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the reading scanning control method in the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, in the driving step, driving is performed using a motor such as a stepping motor. When it is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is returned to the reference position, and the excitation of the motor is released to wait for a next scanning instruction, and the next scanning direction is the first sub-scanning direction. If the scanning direction is determined in the opposite direction, the image reading unit is moved to the scanning start position on the opposite side and the exciting current of the motor is reduced to be in the hold state. Scanning is performed in a direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and if there is no scanning command after a certain period of time, the image reading means is returned to the reference position and the excitation of the motor is released. Achieve the. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Also,
Since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, there is an effect that heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed, power saving can be realized, and costs of a power supply and a driving circuit can be reduced.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the driving step, driving is performed using a motor such as a stepping motor, and in the controlling step, the next scanning direction is changed. When it is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the original holding member is returned to the reference position, and the excitation of the motor is released to wait for a next scanning instruction, and the next scanning direction is the first sub-scanning direction. If the scanning direction is determined in the opposite direction, the original holding member is moved to the scanning start position on the opposite side and the exciting current of the motor is reduced to be in the hold state. Scanning is performed in a direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and if there is no scanning command after a certain period of time, the original holding member is returned to the reference position and the excitation of the motor is released. Achieve the. By controlling image reading not only in one direction (forward direction) but also in the reverse direction, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Also,
Since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, there is an effect that heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed, power saving can be realized, and costs of a power supply and a driving circuit can be reduced.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the determining step, a current position of the image reading means from a reference position, a hold time of the driving step, a current time or a last time. The direction of sub-scanning, whether the driving step is during sub-scanning, during holding, or during excitation release, during initialization, during image reading, or during return to relatively return the image reading means to the reference position. Since the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with the state such as the presence or the standby state, the following effects are obtained. By outputting the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan in the determination step as described above, and controlling the driving step based on the scanning direction information in the control step, the next image There is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading is substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the determining step, the current position of the document holding member from a reference position, a holding time of the driving step, a current or immediately preceding time. In the sub-scanning direction, whether the driving step is in the sub-scanning, holding, or de-excitation state, during initialization, during image reading, or during return to relatively return the document holding member to the reference position. Since the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with the state such as the presence or the standby state, the following effects are obtained. By outputting the scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan in the determination step as described above, and controlling the driving step based on the scanning direction information in the control step, the next image There is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading is substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the detecting step, the projection provided on the image reading means or a seal having a reflectance different from that of the other parts, or Since the optical mark on the document placing surface is detected, the following effects are obtained. By controlling the driving step in the control step based on the detection in the detection step, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced as described above. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the detecting step, the position of the image reading means is magnetically detected.
The following effects are obtained. By controlling the driving step in the control step based on the detection in the detection step, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced as described above. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the detecting step, a slit, a projection, or a reflectance provided on the document holding member is different from other portions. The following effects are obtained because the seal or the optical mark is detected.
By controlling the driving step in the control step based on the detection in the detection step, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced as described above. Also, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced,
This has the effects of suppressing heat generation of the stepping motor and realizing power saving, and reducing the cost of the power supply and the drive circuit.

According to the reading scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in the detecting step, the position of the document holding member is magnetically detected.
The following effects are obtained. By controlling the driving step in the control step based on the detection in the detection step, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced as described above. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the read scanning control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the present invention is applicable to an image scanner for reading a document or a photograph, and has the following effects. In the image scanner, similarly to the above, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the method of controlling reading and scanning in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained since the method can be applied to a film scanner for reading a film. In a film scanner, as above,
This has the effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

According to the reading / scanning control method for an image reading apparatus of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained because the method can be applied to an image reading apparatus connected to a network. As described above, in the image reading apparatus connected to the network, there is an effect that the waiting time until the start of reading the next image can be substantially reduced. Further, since the current of the stepping motor of the driving means can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the stepping motor, realize power saving, and reduce the cost of the power supply and the driving circuit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading device (image scanner) and a host computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image reading apparatus (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing related to the scanning direction and excitation control of a stepping motor of a driving unit in the image reading device (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process related to a scanning direction and excitation control of a stepping motor of a driving unit in the image reading device (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process related to a scanning direction and an excitation control of a stepping motor of a driving unit in the image reading apparatus (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process related to a scanning direction and an excitation control of a stepping motor of a driving unit in the image reading device (image scanner) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of an image reading device (film scanner) and a host computer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a film holder of an image reading apparatus (film scanner) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 (a) is an explanatory view of a film holder holding a 6 × 6 film. (B) is an explanatory view of a film holder holding a 6 × 12 film.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 optical unit 5 line sensor 6 driving means 7, 27 image processing means 8, 28 control means 9 scanning direction determining means 10, 30 home position detecting means 12, 32 host computer 22 film holder 25 CCD line sensor 26 document driving means 29 driving Control means 33 Original document mark 34 Original document trailing mark

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus for relatively scanning a document and image reading means in a sub-scanning direction and for reading an image of the document in a forward direction or a reverse direction, comprising: a driving means for driving the image reading means in a sub-scanning direction; ,
Detecting means for detecting a reference position of the image reading means corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; and performing a next scan in a forward direction or a reverse direction according to the position of the image reading means at the end of scanning. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a determination unit for determining whether the scanning direction is determined; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit based on the determined scanning direction. 2. An image reading apparatus which relatively sub-scans a document and image reading means and reads an image of the document in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the driving means drives a document holding member in a sub-scanning direction; Detecting means for detecting a reference position of the document holding member corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; and performing a next scan in either a forward direction or a reverse direction according to the position of the document holding member at the end of scanning. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a determination unit for determining whether the scanning direction is determined; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit based on the determined scanning direction. 3. The control unit returns the image reading unit to a reference position when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, and sets the next scanning direction to the first sub-scanning direction. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the image is determined in the opposite direction, the image reading means is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side. 4. The control means returns the document holding member to a reference position when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, and sets the next scanning direction to the first sub-scanning direction. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the direction is determined in the opposite direction, the document holding member is moved to the scanning start position on the opposite side. 5. The driving unit includes a motor such as a stepping motor, and the control unit returns the image reading unit to a reference position when a next scanning direction is determined to be a first sub-scanning direction. When the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is moved to the opposite scanning start position. To the hold state by reducing the exciting current of the motor, and when there is a scan command within a certain time, scan in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and scan after a certain time 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there is no command, the image reading unit is returned to a reference position and the excitation of the motor is released. 6. The driving unit includes a motor such as a stepping motor, and the control unit returns the document holding member to a reference position when a next scanning direction is determined to be a first sub-scanning direction. When the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, the original holding member is moved to the opposite scanning start position. To the hold state by reducing the exciting current of the motor, and when there is a scan command within a certain time, scan in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and scan after a certain time 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when there is no instruction, the original holding member is returned to a reference position and the excitation of the motor is released. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit includes a current position of the image reading unit from a reference position, a hold time of the driving unit,
The direction of the current or previous sub-scanning, the state of the driving unit during sub-scanning, holding, or de-excitation, whether the initialization is being performed or the image is being read, and the image reading unit is relatively returned to the reference position. The scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output according to a state such as returning or waiting, and the like. Image reading device. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit includes a current position of the document holding member from a reference position, a holding time of the driving unit,
The direction of the current or previous sub-scan, the state of the drive unit during sub-scan, hold, or excitation release, and initialization or image reading is performed, and the document holding member is relatively returned to the reference position. The scanning direction information indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan is output in accordance with a state such as a return state or a standby state. Image reading device. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects a protrusion provided on the image reading unit, a seal having a reflectance different from that of other portions, or an optical mark on a document placing surface. Item 8. The image reading device according to any one of Items 1, 3, 5, and 7. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means magnetically detects a position of said image reading means.
8. The image reading device according to any one of 3, 5, and 7. 11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detecting means detects a slit or a protrusion provided on the document holding member, a seal having a different reflectance from other portions, or an optical mark. The image reading device according to any one of 4, 6, and 8. 12. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said detecting means magnetically detects a position of said document holding member.
The image reading device according to any one of 4, 6, and 8. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is applicable to an image scanner for reading a document, a photograph, and the like.
The image reading device according to any one of 5, 7, 9, and 10. 14. The method according to claim 2, which is applicable to a film scanner for reading a film.
13. The image reading device according to any one of 8, 11, and 12. 15. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is connectable to a network. 16. A reading and scanning control method in an image reading apparatus for relatively sub-scanning a document and image reading means and reading an image of the document in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the image reading means is moved in a sub-scanning direction. A driving step of driving; a detecting step of detecting a reference position of the image reading unit corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; and a next scanning in order according to the position of the image reading unit at the end of scanning. A reading scanning control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: a determining step of determining one of a direction and a reverse direction; and a control step of controlling the driving step based on the determined scanning direction. 17. A reading scanning control method for an image reading apparatus for relatively scanning a document and image reading means in a sub-scanning direction and reading an image of the document in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the document holding member is driven in the sub-scanning direction. A driving step to
A detecting step of detecting a reference position of the document holding member corresponding to a reading start position of the document in the sub-scanning direction; and performing a next scan in either a forward direction or a reverse direction according to the position of the document holding member at the end of scanning. And a control step of controlling the driving step based on the determined scanning direction. 18. In the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is returned to the reference position, and the next scanning direction is the same as the first sub-scanning direction. 17. The scanning control method according to claim 16, wherein when the image is determined in the opposite direction, the image reading unit is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side. 19. In the controlling step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the document holding member is returned to the reference position, and the next scanning direction is the same as the first sub-scanning direction. 18. The scanning control method according to claim 17, wherein if the direction is determined to be in the opposite direction, the document holding member is moved to a scanning start position on the opposite side. 20. In the driving step, driving is performed using a motor such as a stepping motor. In the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the image reading means is referred to. Return to the position and release the excitation of the motor and wait for the next scanning command.If the next scanning direction is determined to be opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, move the image reading means to the opposite side. Move to the scanning start position and reduce the exciting current of the motor to the hold state.If there is a scan command within a certain time, scan in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and after a certain time 19. The scanning control method according to claim 16, further comprising returning the image reading unit to the reference position and releasing the excitation of the motor when there is no scanning instruction. 21. In the driving step, driving is performed using a motor such as a stepping motor. In the control step, when the next scanning direction is determined to be the first sub-scanning direction, the original holding member is used as a reference. Return to the position and release the excitation of the motor and wait for the next scanning command.If the next scanning direction is determined to be the opposite direction to the first sub-scanning direction, move the document holding member to the opposite side. Move to the scanning start position and reduce the exciting current of the motor to the hold state.If there is a scan command within a certain time, scan in the direction opposite to the first sub-scanning direction, and after a certain time 20. The reading / scanning control method in the image reading apparatus according to claim 17, wherein when there is no scanning instruction after that, the original holding member is returned to a reference position and excitation of the motor is released. 22. In the determining step, a current position of the image reading means from a reference position, a hold time of the driving step, a current or previous sub-scanning direction, and whether the driving step is during sub-scanning or holding is excited. Whether it is being released,
Scanning indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan depending on the state of initialization, image reading, return of the image reading means to the reference position, return or standby, etc. 21. The reading scanning control method in the image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the direction information is output. 23. The determining step, wherein a current position of the document holding member from a reference position, a holding time of the driving step, a current or previous sub-scanning direction, and whether the driving step is during sub-scanning or holding is excited. Whether it is being released,
A scan indicating the scanning direction of the next sub-scan depending on the state of initialization, image reading, return of the document holding member relatively to the reference position, return or standby, etc. 22. The reading scanning control method in the image reading device according to claim 17, wherein the direction information is output. 24. The detecting step detects a protrusion provided on the image reading means, a seal having a reflectance different from that of another portion, or an optical mark on a document placing surface. Item 13. A scanning control method for an image reading apparatus according to any one of Items 16, 18, 20, and 22. 25. The scanning control method according to claim 16, wherein the detecting step includes magnetically detecting a position of the image reading unit. . 26. The method according to claim 17, wherein in the detecting step, a slit or a projection provided on the document holding member, a seal having a different reflectance from other portions, or an optical mark is detected. 24. A reading scanning control method in the image reading apparatus according to any one of 19, 21, and 23. 27. The scanning control method according to claim 17, wherein the detecting step includes magnetically detecting a position of the document holding member. . 28. An image scanner according to claim 16, wherein said image scanner is capable of reading a document, a photograph, or the like.
26. A reading scanning control method in the image reading device according to any one of 8, 20, 22, 24, and 25. 29. The method according to claim 17, which is applicable to a film scanner for reading a film.
A reading scanning control method in the image reading device according to any one of 1, 23, 26, and 27. 30. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus is applicable to an image reading apparatus connected to a network.
A scanning control method in the image reading device according to any one of the above.