GB2355614A

GB2355614A - Dual mode scanner

Info

Publication number: GB2355614A
Application number: GB0019256A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philippe Ducret; Alex Khun
Original assignee: Sagem SA
Current assignee: Sagem SA
Priority date: 1999-08-06
Filing date: 2000-08-04
Publication date: 2001-04-25
Also published as: GB0019256D0; DE10038853A1; FR2797367A1; FR2797367B1

Abstract

A scanner is selectively operable in two modes. In the first mode the scanner is able to analyse a fixed image, such as a static page of text (31), by moving a first image sensor (14) across the fixed image. In the second mode the scanner is able to analyse a scrolling image, such as a page of text (30) that is moved across a second image sensor (24). Additionally, image data processing means are included to receive the image signals from the sensors to form an electronic image which may be stored prior to transmission via a telephone line. The scanner further includes means for automatic and selective control of the two modes of operation.

Description

2355614 Data Processing Device with Scanner The invention concerns data

processing devices with an image analyser, otherwise known as a scanner, of the facsimile machine or other data processing telephone 5 device type, as for example a cellular telephone device.

The image analyser equipment, or scanner, can be either one of two types. The first type comprises a CIS (contact image sensor) sensor in front of which the image to be analysed is made to scroll. We then speak of a sheet-fed scanner ["scrolling" scanner]. Facsimile machines, in which sheets of paper are inserted in stacks, include a sheet-fed scanner.

The second type of scanner comprises a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor and, in contrast to the CIS sensor, it is the CCD sensor which is made to scroll in front of the document to be analysed, placed flat. We then speak of a flat-bed scanner. The scrolling of the sensor is achieved by mounting it on a carriage that is moved along a rail. A flat-bed scanner is used, for example, for fa)dng the pages of a document from which they cannot be detached.

Each of the two types of scanner therefore has an advantage and this is why the applicant has sought to combine both types in one and the same device.

The invention is aimed at a data processing device with scanner including first means of analysing a fixed image and second means of analysing a scrolling image and means of video processing controlled by the first and second means of analysis, the device also including means of automatic and selective control of the first or second means of analysis.

In preference, the first means of analysis include sheet scrolling drive means and means of controlling these drive means, advantageously some means of sheet detection in some means of reception, the means of automatic and selective control of the means of analysis including the said means of controlling the said drive means.

In this tas' e', the data processing device may comprise an analysis start-up key, a sheet reception loader and a sheet presence detection sensor in the loader for controlling a sheet drive motor, the operation of the start-up key controlling the second means of analysis if there is a sheet present or the first means of analysis if there is no sheet present.

2 In one interesting embodiment, the first means of analysis include an analysis sensor, preferably a CIS sensor, mounted on a carriage slidingly mounted on a guide rail and the second means of analysis include the same analysis sensor fixed in sliding and a sheet drive Idnematics.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description of two preferred embodiments of the data processing device with scanner of the invention, a facsimile machine in these'examples, referring to the appended drawing, in which:

- figure I is a diagrammatic side view of the facsimile machine of the first embodiment, and - figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the facsimile machine of the second embodiment.

Figure I represents, in side view, the layout of the optical image analysis electromechanical elements of the facsimile machine, with their actual arrangement in the facsimile machine housing, the control circuits of these elements, on the other hand, being drawn outside the housing, for the purpose of clarity.

The facsimile machine in figure I comprises a first fixed image analysis assembly 1, including a strip 14, or analysis sensor, of charge coupled (CCD) optical detector cells mounted on a carriage 15 slidingly mounted on a guide rail 16. The guide rail 16 extends in a longitudinal direction of the facsimile machine, horizontal in figure 1, in such a way as to guide the carriage 15 parallel to a pane of glass 32 for receiving a document 31 to be scanned. A pivoting cover 33 flattens the document 3 1, sheet or book, onto the pane of glass 32.

The facsimile machine comprises a second, scrolling image analysis assembly 2, including a drive roller 22 for driving a sheet 30 to be scanned and an optical fixed read head 24, here fixed onto the rail 16, comprising a contact image sensor (CIS), brought back towards the counter-support roller 22, by a spring - not shown - integral with the frame of the facsimile machine. The sheets 30 to be analysed are received into a tray or loader 6 with, downstream, between the loader 6 and the roller 22, transfer rollers 27 for transferring the sheets 30 from the loader 6 to the head 24, belonging to a sheet 30 drive Idnematics.

A sensor 5 for detecting the presence of sheets 3 0 in the loader 6 is connected to an automatic and selective control computing unit 4 of the first and second analysis 3 assemblies 1, 2. The latter have output control of the video processing circuits 3, which receive therein the signals from the optical sensors 14 and 24 to form an electronic image and store it for transmitting it via a telephone line, not shown.

The computing unit 4 is further connected to an activation key or button 9, for starting the analysis by optical reading of sheets 30 and documents 31. The computing unit 4 controls a motor 43 for rotationally driving the counter-support roller 22 and transfer rollers 27.

As the side view of figure I shows, the glass pane 32 for receiving documents 31 and the associated cover 33 cover a forward portion of the facsimile machine (to the right in the figure) substantially representing two thirds of its length, whilst the second analysis assembly 2 occupies the rear part. The carriage 15 accordingly has a travel C I limited to approximately two thirds of the length of the facsimile machine.

When the key 9 is operated, the computing unit 4 then scrutinizes the state of the sheet 30 detector 5 and, if it is active, it orders the motor 43 to supply the fixed sensor head CIS 24 with sheets 30. If the detector 5 is idle, the computing unit 4 operates a carriage 15 drive motor, not shown, since then it is a document 31 that is assumed to be present.

The computing unit thus automatically and selectively operates the first and second analysis assemblies I and 2 and thus belongs to selective control circuits of the assemblies 1 and 2, circuits fin-ther including the motor 43 as well as the carriage 15 motor, which operate the second analysis assembly 2 in the event of there being a sheet 30 present or the first analysis assembly 1 in the event of there not being a sheet 30 present.

Figure 2 corTesponds to the second embodiment of the facsimile machine of the invention and the elements shown in figure I keep their references. Accordingly, we will only explain here the differences characterizing this second embodiment in relation to that of figure 1.

In -figure 2, where the control circuits of figure. 1 have been omitted for the purpose of clarity, the first analysis assembly I and the second analysis assembly 2 include one and the same optical sensor, mounted on the carriage 15, whose travel C2 substantially represents the whole length of the facsimile machine. In figure 2, and unlike figure 1, it is the CIS 24 sensor head which is mounted on the carriage 15 to form this single sensor. Thus, the CIS 24 head can function as a fixed image mobile 4 sensor, for scanning a fixed document 3 1, and can also function as a fixed or immobilized sensor then sliding to one end (to the left in the figure) of the guide rail 16 opposite the roller 22, a sensor associated with the sheet 30 drive kinematics 27.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, the two embodiments of the facsin-ffle machine are modular and obtained by fitting a common basic structure, with rail 16 and carriage 15, with two 14, 24 and one 24 optical sensor(s), respectively.

Moreover, this basic structure is compact, since the rail 16, with the associated 10 glass pane 32 of the first assembly 1, is arranged opposite one portion of the second assembly 2. Specifically, the carriage 15 moves along opposite the loader 6 supported on the cover 33 and the transfer rollers 27 situated beyond the useful area of the glass pane 32 receiving the documents 3 1, which enables the form of the carriage 15 to be "masked" in its direction of movement.

The two assemblies I and 2 are therefore at least partially superposed, in the operating position shown in each figure, and the surface area occupied by the facsimile machine is thus limited.

CLADIS I, Data processing device with scanner including first means of anaiysinga a fixed age and second means of analysing a scrolling image and means of video processing controlled by the first and second means of analysis, the device also including means of automatic and selective control of the first or second means of analysis 2.- Device according to claim 1, in which the second means of analysis include sheet' drive means and means of controlling these drive means.

3, Device according to one of claims I and 2, in which are provided means of sheet detection in means of reception the means 4 of automatic and selective control of the analysis means including the said means of control of the said drive n. ---- a n s 4.- Device according to one of claims I to 3, in which are provided an analysis start-up k ey a sheet reception loader. and a sheet presence detection sensor in the loader for controlling a sheet drive motor the operation of the start-up key controlling the second means of analysis if there is a sheet present or the first means of analysis I if there is no sheet. present.

5, Device according to one of claims I to 4, in which the first means of analysis include an analysis sensor mounted on a carriage - slidingly mounted on a guide rail and the second means of analysis include the same analysis sensor. fixed in sliding and a sheet drive Idnernatics.

6.- Device according to claim 5, in which the analysis sensor is a CIS sensor.

7.' - A data proc6ssing device substantially as herein described with reference to either of figures I or 2 of the accompanying drawings.