JP2000165570A - Portable image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the need for connection codes such as an interface cable or a power cable from an image scanner. SOLUTION: This image reader is provided with an image sensor 3 that reads an original and converts the read image into an electric signal, an image processing/sequence control circuit 7 that processes the read electric signal and outputs image data, a hard disk 11 that temporarily stores the image data, and a communication control circuit 12 that transmits the image data stored in the hard disk together with image information cross-referencing the image data and information to specify the image data through radio communication.

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 such as an image scanner, and more particularly to a portable image scanner which can be used cordlessly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In conventional image scanners and film scanners, scanning is performed in a fixed direction (main scanning direction) using a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD line sensor or a contact type sensor, and a document is photoelectrically scanned using a stepping motor. The conversion device is perpendicular to the main scanning direction (sub-scanning direction)
There is provided an apparatus which reads an image by relatively moving the image. For example, there are a flat bed type that reads a document placed on a platen, and a sheet fed type that reads a sheet document while moving it with a roller.

As a film scanner, an original film is sandwiched between holders, mounted on an original table, and scanned in a main scanning direction by a reading optical system such as a line sensor. To read the entire image by moving it relative to
There is a line sensor that scans in the main scanning direction and performs scanning while directly feeding a film in the sub-scanning direction to read an image.

On the other hand, as a portable communication device, a device as disclosed in JP-A-07-162555 has been conventionally proposed.
There are documents that can display images of a document to be transmitted and a received document. In this document, after a call by a portable wireless telephone is completed, a controller searches for document data stored in a floppy disk or a built-in recording medium attached to a main body of the portable communication device by an instruction of a function key and displays the document data. , And can be transmitted by facsimile wirelessly to the other party input via the numeric keypad via an antenna, or received by facsimile from the other party after the call and recorded on a floppy disk or recording medium. An apparatus is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 05-308461 discloses a facsimile apparatus which is convenient to carry and has a sufficient function when used in a stationary type. In this facsimile machine, it is configured with the necessary minimum transmission, reception, copy and other functions when it is carried, and when it is used as a stationary type, the table is combined with the main body,
A configuration is disclosed in which a TEL / FAX automatic switching function, a calling data storage function, a print data storage function, and the like provided on the table base can be used to make the function multifunctional.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-182910 can accurately predict the end of a battery in advance.
In particular, it discloses an information processing apparatus capable of determining whether or not a target process can be executed to the end. This information processing apparatus detects a remaining amount of a battery when a print request is issued, and determines a predetermined unit measured in advance. By comparing the battery consumption required for the printing process with the battery consumption required for the entire process determined from the control information of the printing process such as the number of characters, the number of line feeds, and the number of page breaks, the printing process can be performed without running out of battery. It is disclosed that it is determined whether or not execution is possible.

[0007]

Conventionally, most image scanners have to be connected to a host computer via an interface such as SCSI or IEEE1284 and controlled and used by application software on the host computer. Further, there is a problem that portability is lacking because an external power source is required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and eliminates connection cords such as an interface cable and a power supply cable (cordless), reads an image with a simple operation, and stores destination information and image data in image data. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable image reading apparatus capable of transmitting image information to a target computer or file device by transmitting image information to which file identification information is attached.

Further, a portable image reading apparatus capable of managing a power supply destination by an internal power supply to effectively use power, detecting a remaining battery level, and displaying the remaining battery level or issuing a warning of running out of the battery. It is intended to provide a device.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable image reading apparatus, comprising: an image pickup means for reading a document and converting the read signal into an electric signal; and a signal for processing the read electric signal and outputting image data. Processing means, temporary storage means for temporarily storing the image data, and image information associated with the image data stored in the temporary storage means and information for specifying the image data by wireless communication Wireless communication means for transmitting. With the above configuration, connection cables such as an interface cable and a power cable can be eliminated.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises communication destination input means for inputting a transmission destination of image information by the wireless communication means. Communication destination storage means for storing a list of transmission destinations input by the communication destination input means;
From the list of destinations stored in the destination storage means,
Communication destination selection means for selecting one. With the above configuration, image information can be sent to a target computer or file device by a simple operation.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an operation means for instructing transmission of the image information and start of reading of the document. With the above configuration, transmission of image information and start of reading of a document can be instructed by a simple operation.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the portable electronic device further includes a portable internal power supply, and power supply control means for controlling power supply from the portable internal power supply in accordance with an operation by the operation means. . Further, when transmission of image information or reading of an original is instructed by the operation means, it is determined whether or not sufficient power is left in the portable internal power supply to perform the instructed processing. If not, there is further provided a means for issuing a warning. With the above configuration, it is possible to detect the remaining battery level of the internal power supply device and issue a warning that the battery has run out.

Preferably, the power supply control means stops power supply from the portable internal power supply when the operation by the operation means has not been performed for a predetermined time or more. With the above configuration,
Electricity can be used effectively. More preferably, according to the content of the operation previously instructed by the operation means,
The predetermined time is changed.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a portable internal power supply, and means for displaying a consumption state of the portable internal power supply. With the above configuration, the remaining battery level of the internal power supply device can be detected and the remaining battery level can be displayed.

[0016] Preferably, the portable internal power supply is a battery or a rechargeable battery.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when reading of a document is instructed by the operation means,
The temporary storage unit further includes a capacity determination unit that determines whether or not a capacity for storing image data of the document is left, and the capacity determination unit determines that the capacity of the temporary storage unit is insufficient. In this case, it is determined whether or not there is untransmitted image data in the image data stored in the temporary storage unit, and if so, control is performed so that the transmission of the image data is performed prior to reading of the document. It has control means. Preferably, when there is no untransmitted image data in the image data stored in the temporary storage unit, the control unit alternately performs partial reading of the document and transmission using the free space of the temporary storage unit. Control to be performed.
According to the above configuration, even when the capacity of the temporary storage unit is insufficient, the image can be read by a simple operation and the image information can be sent to a target computer or file device.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a stowable antenna for transmitting the image information by the wireless communication means. With the above configuration, connection cables such as an interface cable and a power cable can be eliminated.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a transmission plan management means for automatically scheduling the start of transmission of image information when the operation means instructs to start reading a document. With the above configuration, image information can be sent to a target computer or file device by a simple operation.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when an instruction to start reading a document is given by the operation means, communication with the image information transmission destination is started, and the state of the communication line and the state of the temporary storage means are changed. The communication device further includes communication control means for controlling communication in response. Image information can be sent to a target computer or file device by a simple operation.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises transmission control means for transmitting the image data as a plurality of divided file information. According to the above configuration, it is possible to transmit image information in which destination information and file identification information are attached to image data.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a transmission control means for transmitting a message attached to the image data. According to the above configuration, it is possible to transmit image information in which destination information and file identification information are attached to image data.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a transmission control means for transmitting the image data with an area code of a transmission source, a transmission start time or a document reading start time attached. According to the above configuration, it is possible to transmit image information in which transmission source information and file identification information are attached to image data.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a transmission control means for treating the image data as a file in a specified format and attaching the image data to an electronic mail so that the image data can be transmitted. According to the above configuration, it is possible to transmit image information in which destination information and file identification information are attached to image data.

Preferably, the wireless communication means is a communication means usable as a mobile phone.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a destination control unit for associating the destination storage unit with a destination of the image information. With the above configuration, image information can be sent to a target computer or file device by a simple operation.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the image pickup means when reading a document, and power is supplied to a circuit irrelevant to a telephone function when used as a portable telephone. Power supply control means for controlling so as to stop. With the above configuration, power can be used effectively.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable image scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a document such as a book, magazine, document, photograph, etc., 2 denotes a platen glass on which the document 1 is placed, and 3 denotes a platen for illuminating the document 1 via the platen glass 2. A light source 31 and a light guide 3 for guiding illumination light to a document surface
2 and the optical image of the illuminated document 1
And a line sensor 33 configured by a MOS or a CCD for reading the formed optical image in the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, a contact type image sensor (CIS) is taken as an example of the imaging optical system, but it goes without saying that an integrated optical system may be employed instead.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a motor serving as a drive source for moving the optical unit 3 in the sub-scanning direction. Reference numeral 5 denotes a pulley for converting the rotational motion of the motor 4 axis into a linear motion in the sub-scanning direction. The motor control circuit 7 for moving the optical unit 3 in the sub-scanning direction receives an image signal 14 read by the optical unit 3 and then performs analog signal processing, A / D conversion, and digital image processing to perform communication control. An external device 17 such as a computer via the circuit 12
An image processing / sequence control circuit for outputting image information composed of image data and index information (to be described later) accompanying the image data; 8, a portable internal power supply such as a battery and a battery; The internal power supply monitoring circuit 10 for monitoring the remaining battery power of the optical unit 3 and the motor control unit according to the command from the operation unit 15 and the operation sequence of the image scanner main body based on the output of the internal power supply monitoring circuit 9 Circuit 6, Image processing /
Sequence control circuit 7, hard disk 11, operation unit 1
5, an internal power control circuit for controlling power supplied to each circuit of the display unit 16. In FIG. 1, power supply lines from the internal power supply control circuit 10 to each circuit are omitted for simplification of the drawing. Reference numeral 25 denotes a timer, and the operation unit 15
Is reset in response to the key operation of, and starts counting. When the count of the timer 25 elapses a predetermined time,
The internal power supply control circuit 10 stops supplying power to each circuit.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a hard disk for temporarily storing image-processed image information;
A communication control circuit 13 for communicating image information temporarily stored in the hard disk 11 via the sequence control circuit 7 according to a command from the operation unit 15 or the state of the communication line. Antenna for performing, 14
Is an image signal output from the line sensor 33 included in the optical unit 3, 15 is an operation unit for the user to operate the image scanner main body, and 16 is an operation state display or a warning display of the image scanner main body. The display unit 17 is an external device such as a computer that receives and processes image information read by the image scanner main body.

The communication control circuit 12 of the present invention also performs management until the read image is transmitted. When the image reading is instructed and scheduled by the user, the communication control circuit 12 checks whether or not the hard disk 11 has a necessary free space, and if the free space is more than necessary to store the image, The image storage area is secured by adding index information as one file.

As the index information, the file creation time, the file creator, the file name of the stored image specified by the operator from the operation unit, the image reading start time, and the area indicating the location of the image scanner when the image was read. Code.

When the image scanner also has the function of a mobile phone, when the image information is transmitted,
The image information is specified on the receiving side by distributing information such as the unique number of the image scanner, the area code of the transmission place, and the time information to the image information. Then, a file name of the image is determined based on the information attached to the image and transmitted, and stored in the storage device.

When reproducing the distributed image information on the receiving side, the image information can be easily read from the storage device by performing a search using the additional information as a keyword.

The hard disk 11 can store a telephone number and an address of a transmission destination. When transmitting image information, the communication control circuit 12 operates according to a key operation of the operation unit 15 to transmit a telephone number of the transmission destination, The address information is read from the hard disk 11 and sequentially displayed on the display unit 16, and the transmission destination selected by the key operation of the operation unit 15 is determined and transmission is performed. Note that a list of transmission destinations can be input from the operation unit 15, and the input list can be stored in the hard disk 11.

Further, the destination of the read image information can be directly input, re-designated, or a plurality of destinations can be designated from the operation unit 15. In addition, comments can be added in association with images, and by selecting an image at the time of transmission and pressing the send key to instruct transmission, image data and images such as comments and index information are linked to the destination It is also possible to automatically transmit the received information. When the image scanner also has a function as a mobile phone, that is, the microphone 51 and the speaker 52 in the dotted frame 50 in FIG.
In the case of including, the communication control circuit 12 can also store the sound in association with the image. Further, the communication control circuit 12 also has a function of transmitting and receiving an e-mail, and can handle image information as a file in a specified format and attach it to the e-mail and transmit it.

It is also possible to use only the function as a portable telephone, in which case the internal power supply control circuit 10
Does not supply power to circuits not related to the telephone function,
Power management is performed to minimize power consumption.

The storage format of the image information can be specified by operating a mode switching key, which will be described later, so that, for example, a file format such as the TIFF format can be selected. Also, the format of the image information can be converted at the time of transmission.
Image information can be transmitted while being converted.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the image scanner of the first embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the components different from those in FIG. 1 will be described. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 18 denotes a pressure plate for pressing a document, 19 denotes a battery outlet, 20 denotes a power switch, 21 denotes a reading start key, 22 denotes a transmission start key, and 23 denotes gradation, resolution, and storage and transmission of an image. A mode switching key for switching the file format, file to be transmitted, etc., a stop key 24, and a numeric keypad 26 are used for inputting information such as telephone numbers and area codes.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image scanner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sequence will be described in detail below.

First, when the image scanner is activated by turning on the power switch 20 by the user, the internal power supply monitoring circuit 9 checks in step S1 whether the remaining battery level is sufficient. If it is sufficient, when any one of the keys of the operation unit 15 is operated, power enough to detect the operation is supplied to the image processing / sequence control circuit 7 via the internal power supply control circuit 10.
Here, for example, power is supplied only to a CPU (not shown) for detecting a key input of the operation unit 15 and its peripheral circuits. Then, the process proceeds to step S2. If it is determined that the remaining amount of the battery is not sufficient, the user is notified of the shortage of the remaining amount of the battery by displaying the fact on the display unit, and the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S2, when the key operation of the operation unit 15 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S15, and when the power switch 20 is turned off, the internal power supply control circuit 8 stops all power supply, and the sequence ends. I do. Also,
If the power switch is not turned off in step S15, the process returns to step S2. By repeating steps S2 and S15, a key input of the operation unit 15 is waited. When a key operation of the operation unit 15 is detected, a power supply command is issued, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the internal power supply control circuit 8
Are an image processing / sequence control circuit 7, an optical unit 3, a hard disk 11, a communication control circuit 12, and a display unit 1.
Then, the power supply is started at Step 6, and the process goes to Step S4. In step S4, the motor control circuit 6, the image processing / sequence control circuit 7, the hard disk 11, the communication control circuit 12,
Initialization of each unit of the display unit 16 is performed.

Next, in step S5, the flag SCENB indicating that the apparatus has entered the standby state is set to "1", and the power-shutdown interrupt timer PW is set.
Activate the DTM and proceed to step S6.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the mode switching key 23 has been pressed. If the mode switching key 23 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S7, and if not, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S7, a mode change process is performed. This mode change processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the interrupt timer PWDTM is temporarily stopped in step S71, and the mode is switched in step S72. Then, the display unit 16 displays the mode after the switching.
And the process proceeds to step S73. As described above, the mode switching key 23 is a key for switching the gradation of the image, the resolution, the file format at the time of storage and transmission, the file to be transmitted, and the like. In the first embodiment, the combination of the respective conditions is used. Is set in advance,
Each time the mode switching key is pressed once, the combination is sequentially displayed on the display unit. For example, as the “high image quality mode”, the gradation is 24 bits and the resolution is 300 dp.
i, file format is TIF format, "standard mode", gradation is 24 bits, resolution is 150 dpi, file format is JPEG format, "black and white mode" is gradation, 1 bit, resolution is 300 dpi, file format is bit When the mode is set in advance as the map format and the mode switching key 23 is pressed in the state of the “high image quality mode”, the “standard mode” is displayed on the display unit. In step S73, the interrupt timer PWDTM is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

In step S12, the interrupt timer P
The pause of the WDTM is released, and the counting is restarted. Then, after the display section 16 indicates that the apparatus is in the standby state, the process proceeds to step S13.

If it is determined in step S6 that the mode switching key 23 has not been pressed, it is determined in step S8 whether the reading start key 21 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S9, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S9, a reading process is performed.
This reading process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S91, the interrupt timer P
The WDTM is suspended, and image reading is started. Here, the flag SCAN indicating that the image is being read is set to '
1 'to display on the display section 16 that the image is being read. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S92.

In step S92, the stop key 24 is monitored to determine whether the stop key 24 has been pressed.
At the same time, it is determined whether or not the image reading has been completed. Step S92 is repeated until the stop key 24 is pressed or the image reading is completed. When the stop key 24 is pressed or the image reading is completed, step S9 is performed.
Proceed to 3. In step S93, the interrupt timer PW
The DTM is returned to the initial value, and the flag S indicating that the image is being read
After clearing CAN to '0', the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. In step S12, the pause of the interrupt timer PWDTM is released and the display unit 16 is displayed on the display unit 16 as in the above-described manner.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the reading start key 21 has not been pressed, it is determined in step S10 whether the transmission start key 22 has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 3.

In step S11, a transmission process is performed. This transmission process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S111, the interrupt timer PW
The DTM is suspended, and the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, image information to be transmitted and a destination are selected. Here, image information is read from the hard disk 11 in order from the image that has been read recently, and is displayed on the display unit 16. For example, each time the mode switching key 23 is pressed, an image one older than the currently displayed image is read from the hard disk 11 and displayed. Alternatively, the image transmission destinations having the highest priority may be sequentially read from the hard disk 11 and displayed on the display unit 16. Note that the selection method is not limited to the above, and the image information to be transmitted and the transmission destination may be specified, such as by directly inputting the transmission destination from the operation unit 15.

After the image information to be transmitted and the transmission destination are specified in step S112, a message is displayed on the display section 16 to prompt the user to press the transmission start key 22 again, and the transmission start key 22 is pressed. Then, the communication control circuit 12 schedules transmission of the specified image information to the specified destination (step S113).
Then, the image information transmission request flag TXREQ is set to “1”, and then a transmission request is issued to the transmission destination. When the transmission destination returns the incoming call permission (YES in step S114), the image transmission flag TXBSY is set to “1” in step S115,
The image information transmission request flag TXREQ is cleared to '0', and transmission of image information is started.

In step S116, the stop key 24 is monitored to determine whether the stop key 24 has been pressed.
At the same time, it is determined whether or not the image reading has been completed. Step S116 is repeated until the stop key 24 is pressed or the image reading is completed. When the stop key 24 is pressed or the image reading is completed, the step S116 is performed.
Go to 117. In step S117, the image transmission flag T
Clear XBSY to '0' and set interrupt timer PW
The DTM is returned to the initial value, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the transmission destination does not issue the incoming call permission within a predetermined time (NO in step S114), the process proceeds to step S114.
Proceeding to 119, it is determined whether the stop key 24 has been pressed. When the button is pressed, the image information transmission request is canceled, the image information transmission request flag TXREQ is cleared to "0", the interrupt timer PWDTM is set to an initial value, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

In step S12, the pause of the interrupt timer PWDTM is released and the display 1
6 indicates that the apparatus is in the standby state, and then proceeds to step S
Proceed to 13.

In step S13, the interrupt timer P
It is determined whether or not the WDTM has reached the specified time. If not, the process returns to step S6, and the above operation is repeated. If the interrupt timer PWDTM has exceeded the specified time, the process proceeds to step S14, where a shutdown timer interrupt is generated for the power supply control circuit 8.
This stops the power supply to each circuit started in step S3, returns to step S2, and waits for the next input.

When the user turns off the power switch 20 in step S15, all power supply stops.

In the above control, when the key of the operation unit 15 is not pressed, the interrupt timer PWDTM is counted up from a default value, and when the specified time is exceeded, a shutdown timer interrupt is generated for the power supply control circuit 8, Power supply to components other than the operation unit 15 is stopped.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the connection cords such as the interface cable and the power cable are eliminated (cordless), and the image is read by the simple operation of the operation unit provided in the image scanner body. By configuring the communication control unit to attach destination information and file identification information to the image data and send the image data to a target computer or file device,
Portability and operability can be improved.

When an operation is not performed for a certain period of time using an interrupt timer for shutting down the power supply,
By supplying power only to circuits necessary for detecting key operation of the operation unit, the portable internal power supply can be effectively used.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image scanner according to a second embodiment.
In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. A memory card 41 is used to temporarily store the read image. Reference numeral 43 denotes an optical unit (contact type image sensor) for a sheet fed scanner, and a glass is arranged on a document reading surface. 45 is a paper feed roller. Also, 49
Is an internal power supply monitoring circuit for monitoring the remaining battery power of the portable internal power supply 8, and constantly monitors the consumption state of the internal power supply 8.

The internal power supply control circuit 10 determines whether or not there is sufficient remaining battery power for reading an image when an image reading request is issued in response to the output of the internal power supply monitoring circuit 49. Is insufficient, a warning is displayed on the display unit 16 indicating that the remaining battery power is insufficient, without starting image reading.

The operation unit 15 has a power switch, a reading start key, a transmission start key, a mode switching key, and a stop key.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image reading operation of the image scanner according to the second embodiment. The sequence will be described in detail below. Steps S2 to S5 and step S15 are the same as the sequence of the first embodiment.

First, when the user turns on the power switch, when any one of the keys of the operation unit 15 is operated, power enough to detect the operation is supplied via the internal power supply control circuit 10 to the image processing / sequence control circuit. 7 is supplied.
Here, for example, power is supplied only to a CPU (not shown) for detecting a key input of the operation unit 15 and its peripheral circuits. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, when the key operation of the operation section 15 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S15. When the power switch is turned off, the internal power supply control circuit 8 stops all power supply, and the sequence ends. . If the power switch is not turned off in step S15, the process returns to step S2. By repeating steps S2 and S15, a key input of the operation unit 15 is waited. Operation unit 1
When the key operation of No. 5 is detected, a power supply command is issued, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the internal power supply control circuit 8
Are an image processing / sequence control circuit 7, an optical unit 3, a hard disk 11, a communication control circuit 12, and a display unit 1.
Then, the power supply is started at Step 6, and the process goes to Step S4. In step S4, the motor control circuit 6, the image processing / sequence control circuit 7, the hard disk 11, the communication control circuit 12,
Initialization of each unit of the display unit 16 is performed.

Next, in step S5, a flag SCENB indicating that a standby state has been entered is set to "1", and an interrupt timer PW for shutting down the power supply is set.
Activate the DTM and proceed to step S6 '.

Then, in step S6 ', it is determined whether or not the mode switching key has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S7 ', and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S7 ', a mode change process is performed as shown in FIG.
2 is different from the first embodiment. In the second embodiment,
In order to use the next image reading or transmission, the gradation of the image, the resolution, the file format for storage and transmission, the file to be transmitted, and the like are individually switched. For example, 24
If the bit, 8-bit, or 1-bit gradation can be selected, the current gradation (for example, 24 bits) is displayed when the mode switching key is pressed in step S6 ', and the mode switching key is pressed further. And the next gradation (for example, 8
Bit) is displayed. When the stop key is pressed while the gradation is displayed, the gradation (8 bits in this case) displayed at the time when the stop key is pressed is set, and the process proceeds to the next setting item, ie, selection of the resolution. Similarly, when the setting of each item is completed, the process proceeds to step S93, the interrupt timer PWDTM is returned to the initial value, the flag SCAN indicating that the image is being read is cleared to '0', and the process returns to step S6 '.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not an image is being read. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the flag SCAN indicating that the image reading is being performed is “1”. If SCAN = “1”, it is further determined whether the image reading is completed. , Or whether the stop key has been pressed. YES for both decisions
Returns to step S6 'if not, SC otherwise
AN is set to “0”, and when the image reading is normally completed, a flag TXWT indicating that there is an image waiting to be transmitted is set to “1”, and step S1 is executed.
Go to 7.

In step S17, a transmission request is being made (TXR
It is determined whether EQ = '1') or transmitting (TXBSY = '1'). Specifically, TXREQ = '
Judge whether 1 'or TXBSY =' 1 ',
If so, it is further determined whether the transmission has not been completed or the stop key has not been pressed.
If both determinations are YES, the process returns to step S6 ',
Otherwise, set TXREQ or TXBSY to '0', especially if transmission is finished,
The value is set to 0 'and the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, it is determined whether or not the reading start key has been pressed.
If not, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S19, the internal power supply monitoring circuit 4
9 and the image reading mode at this time, the internal power supply monitoring circuit 10 determines whether or not the battery level is sufficient. If the battery level is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S27, a warning indicating that the battery is low is displayed on the display unit 16, and the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S20, the communication control circuit 12
Checks the free space of the memory card 41. If there is a free space capable of storing the read image, a necessary memory area associated with the index information on the read image is secured on the memory card 41, and the image reading is started. Where S
Set CAN = '1'. Thereafter, the interrupt timer PWDTM is stopped in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S28.
Proceed to.

If it is determined in step S20 that the memory is insufficient, it is determined in step S22 whether there is an image waiting to be transmitted, that is, whether there is an image of TXWT = “1”. If there is, the process proceeds to step S25, and transmission of the image is prioritized. At this time, a warning is displayed on the display unit 16 indicating that the reading of the image is temporarily suspended. At this time, image reading is not scheduled.

If there is not enough free space in the memory card 41 and there are no images waiting to be transmitted, in step S23 the image is divided and read using only the free space in the memory card and transmitted. The mode automatically switches to the band transmission mode. At this time, the free space of the memory card is used as the band memory, the image is partially read and written to the band memory unit, and then only the read partial image is transmitted to the band memory unit. After completion, the next part of the image is read and the memory card 4
The effective use of the free space of the memory card 41 as the band memory, such as overwriting the band memory unit 1 and transmitting the read partial image to the band memory unit after the image reading of that part is completed. The reading of the image and the transmission of the image are alternately performed, and the entire image is read.

In the band transmission mode, there is no problem if the state of the communication line is good in the communication state with the transmission destination, but if the communication line is congested and it is difficult to receive a call to the destination, communication is not performed. At the same time, the image reading schedule is released, the band memory is released, and a warning to that effect is issued on the display unit 16. Furthermore, even if transmission to the other party is possible, if the state of the communication line is poor and the speed of image transmission is low, communication in this mode takes an extremely long time to read an image. Also displays a warning on the display unit 16 to stop reading the image.

After setting the band transmission mode, the interrupt timer PWDTM is stopped in step S24, the interrupt timer PWDTM is set to the initial value 1 in step S28, and the process returns to step S6 '.

In step S25, it is determined whether the transmission start key has been pressed or an image waiting for transmission (TXWT = '1') exists. If YES, step S2
6, the internal power supply monitoring circuit 10 determines whether the remaining battery level is sufficient based on the output of the internal power source start circuit 49 and the transmission mode at this time. A warning indicating that there is a shortage is displayed on the display unit 16 and a step S28 is performed.
To set the interrupt timer PWDTM to the initial value 1, and then return to step S6 '. Although the interrupt timer PWDTM is set to the initial value 1 here, the interrupt timer PWDTM may be set to the initial value 2.

If it is determined in step S26 that the remaining battery charge is sufficient for the transmission process, step S29 is performed.
The image information transmission request flag TXREQ is set, and TXREQ = 1. Then, in step S30, the interruption timer PWDTM is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the interrupt timer PWDTM
Is set to the initial value 2, and the process returns to step S6 ′.

At step S31, the interrupt timer P
If the WDTM has been stopped, the counting is restarted, and the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, step S1
6, S17, S18, and S25 are all NO, so the image information transmission flag (TXBSY), the image information transmission request flag (TXREQ), and the image reading flag (SCAN)
Are set to '0'. Therefore, if the interrupt timer PWDTM has reached the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S33, the power supply to each circuit started in step S3 is stopped, and the process returns to step S2 to wait for the next input. On the other hand, if the interrupt timer PWDTM has not reached the predetermined value, the process returns to step S6 '.

In the above control sequence, when the key of the operation unit 15 is not pressed, the interrupt timer PWDTM is counted up from a default value, and a shutdown timer interrupt is generated for the power supply control circuit 8 when the specified time is exceeded.

The memory card 41 is removable and can supply image data to other devices via the memory card. Also, if the memory card is full, replace the memory card,
Image reading can be continued.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the sequence is shown by polling by software, but interrupt processing by hardware may be performed.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a warning is displayed on the display unit 16, but a warning may be provided by sound.

Further, when the remaining battery power is insufficient, the reading resolution may be lowered or the reading area may be narrowed. In this case, a display indicating that the reading condition has been changed is displayed.

Further, the display may be turned off when the remaining battery power is insufficient.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Eliminates connection cables such as interface cables and power cables (cordless), reads image information with simpler operations, attaches destination information and file identification information to the image information, and sends the image information to the target computer or file device. Operability and portability can be enhanced.

Further, the power supply destination of the internal power supply is managed to make effective use of the power. Further, the remaining amount of the battery of the internal power supply device is detected, and the display of the remaining amount of the battery or the warning of running out of the battery is performed. This can avoid running out of battery during image reading or running out of battery during communication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the image scanner according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image scanner according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image reading operation of the image scanner according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 original 2 platen glass 3 optical unit (contact type image sensor) 4 motor 5 pulley 6 motor control circuit 7 image processing / sequence control circuit 8 portable internal power supply 9 internal power supply monitoring circuit 10 internal power supply control circuit 11 hard disk 12 communication control Circuit 13 Antenna 14 Image signal 15 Operation unit 16 Display unit 17 External device 18 Pressure plate 19 Battery outlet 20 Power switch 21 Reading start key 22 Transmission start key 23 Mode switching key 24 Stop key 25 Timer 31 Light source 32 Light guide 33 Light sensor 33 Line sensor 34 Cell hoc lens

Continued on front page F term (reference) 5C062 AA37 AB11 AB17 AB20 AB42 AB50 AC02 AC35 AC41 AC58 AD03 AF02 AF06 AF15 BA00 BB03 5C075 AB06 BA08 CA90 FF01 FF09 FF90 5K067 AA41 BB08 BB21 DD52 EE02 KK05

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for reading a document and converting it into an electric signal, a signal processing means for performing signal processing on the read electric signal and outputting image data, and for temporarily storing the image data And a wireless communication means for transmitting, by wireless communication, image information in which image data stored in the temporary storage means and information for specifying the image data are associated with each other. Image reading device. 2. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising communication destination input means for inputting a transmission destination of image information by said wireless communication means. 3. A communication destination storage means for storing a list of transmission destinations input by the communication destination input means, and a list of transmission destinations stored in the communication destination storage means,
3. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a communication destination selecting unit for selecting one. 4. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit for instructing transmission of said image information and start of reading of a document. 5. The portable power supply according to claim 4, further comprising: a portable internal power supply; and a power supply control unit configured to control power supply from the portable internal power supply in accordance with an operation by the operation unit. Portable image reading device. 6. When the transmission of image information or the reading of a document is instructed by the operation means, it is determined whether or not sufficient electric power for performing the instructed processing is left in the portable internal power supply. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a unit that issues a warning when the number is not sufficient. 7. The portable type power supply according to claim 5, wherein the power supply control means stops power supply from the portable internal power supply when the operation by the operation means is not performed for a predetermined time or more. Image reading device. 8. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined time changes according to the content of an operation previously instructed by the operation unit. 9. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a portable internal power supply; and means for displaying a consumption state of the portable internal power supply. 10. The portable image reading device according to claim 5, wherein the portable internal power supply is a battery or a rechargeable battery. 11. An image forming apparatus further comprising: capacity determination means for determining whether or not a capacity for storing image data of a document is left in the temporary storage means when reading of a document is instructed by the operation means. The portable image reading device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein: 12. When the capacity determining means determines that the capacity of the temporary storage means is insufficient, it determines whether or not there is untransmitted image data in the image data stored in the temporary storage means. 12. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising control means for controlling so as to determine and, in some cases, transmit the image data before reading the document. 13. When there is no untransmitted image data in the image data stored in said temporary storage means, said control means uses the free space of said temporary storage means to partially read and transmit a document. 13. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the portable image reading apparatus is controlled so as to perform alternately. 14. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stowable antenna for transmitting said image information by said wireless communication means. 15. A transmission plan management unit according to claim 4, further comprising a transmission plan management unit that automatically schedules a start of transmission of image information when an instruction to start reading a document is given by said operation unit. Portable image reading device. 16. A communication control means for starting communication with an image information destination when an instruction to start reading a document is given by the operation means, and controlling communication in accordance with a state of a communication line and a state of the temporary storage means. 16. The portable image reading device according to claim 4, wherein the portable image reading device has: 17. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising transmission control means for transmitting the image data as a plurality of divided file information. 18. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising transmission control means for transmitting a message attached to said image data. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising transmission control means for transmitting the image data with an area code of a transmission source, a transmission start time, or a document reading start time attached. 3. The portable image reading device according to claim 1. 20. The portable device according to claim 1, further comprising transmission control means for treating the image data as a file in a designated format and attaching the image data to an e-mail and enabling transmission. Image reading device. 21. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means is a communication means usable as a mobile phone.
0. The portable image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 22. The portable image reading apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a destination control unit for associating the communication destination storage unit with a destination of the image information. apparatus. 23. Power supply control means for supplying power to the image pickup means when reading a document, and stopping supply of power to a circuit irrelevant to the telephone function when used as a mobile phone. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:
23. The portable image reading device according to 1 or 22.