JP2001022011A - Image reader and its control method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader having form enabling batch processing in the case of reading many kinds of media without making the reader large when the processing for reading film or a print is performed at high speed. SOLUTION: This document fixed type image reader equipped with an optical unit 7 whose resolution can be switched is equipped with a light source 14 irradiating the film, and a medium carrying means 3 carrying a film holder 31 housing the film and the print 23 in a main scanning direction adjacently to the side surface of a platen cover 2. The optical unit is moved by a specified amount in a subscanning direction from a home position so as to read the film or the print.

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 for realizing a high-speed reading process when reading a film or print, a control method thereof, and a recording medium for realizing control of the image reading apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art DTP (Desk T) typified by a desktop simple electronic editing and printing system capable of creating high print quality documents.
2. Description of the Related Art An image reading apparatus used in the field of “publishing” often captures an image such as a photograph.
The reading medium is a print such as a film or a printed photograph.
0 inches x 60 mm, 60 mm x 45 mm, etc.), 4 inches x 5 inches, and 8 inches x 10 inches. By the way, in the case of outputting with a high resolution in terms of the number of output lines and a large printed material such as a poster, a high resolution is required for the image reading apparatus.
When reading films and prints, high-speed reading processing is required in order to increase productivity.

Here, the following terms according to the present invention are defined and clarified.

[0006] Scanning line: A virtual line for sequentially reading a two-dimensional image on a document in units of pixels in order to convert it into a one-dimensional electric signal. Main scanning: Scanning two-dimensional information on a document in the scanning line direction. That is, the scanning is performed by electronic scanning of the image sensor itself. Sub-scanning is performed by mechanical movement of a document, an image sensor, or a mirror. In the document transport type, the scanning is performed by scanning in the document transport direction.

FIG. 10 shows a diagram of the prior art.
In the figure, an image reading device 8 used in the DTP field
1 comprises an optical unit capable of switching between high resolution and low resolution, and an openable / closable document cover 82;
When reading a film or print, the document cover 82 is opened, the film or print is set on a document table formed of a transparent plate, the document cover 82 is closed, and the optical unit is moved to read the film or print. A fixed image reading device is formed.

In FIG. 11, when a film 92 or a print 93 is set on the document table 83, the film 92 or the print 93 is set with reference to the document abutting position 84. When reading the film 92 or the print 93 set on the document table 83, the first light source 89 for irradiating the transparent original including the film 92 or the second light source 90 for irradiating the reflective original including the print 93 is turned on. , The image of the film 92 or the print 93 is transmitted through the first lens 87 for low resolution or the second lens 88 for high resolution.
Input to D86. At this time, before reading, the white reference reading position 85 is read, and the level of the white reference plate is input.
The signal is stored, and the signal during normal scanning is corrected using the level as a white reference value.

By the way, as a method for performing the reading process at a high speed, the set area of the document table 83 is increased, and a large number of films 92 and prints 93 are set on the document table 83. That is, an image reading device having a large reading size is required, such as changing the image reading device 81 from A4 size reading to A3 size reading.

[0008]

As described above, the prior art has the following problems.

In the case where a film or a print is read at a high speed, if the set area of the document table is increased, the size of the image reading apparatus tends to increase, and the price of the apparatus tends to increase and the handling of the apparatus tends to be complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus which is capable of performing batch processing when reading various kinds of media without increasing the size of the apparatus when reading a film or print at high speed. Is to provide.

[0011]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following measures.

In a fixed-document type image reading apparatus, a film holder for storing a film and a print are conveyed in the main scanning direction and set in a reading area, and the optical unit is moved in the sub-scanning direction to read the film or the print. The configuration is as follows.

By taking the above-mentioned means, by providing a reading medium transport unit in the original fixed image reading apparatus,
When reading various types of media, batch processing is enabled to perform high-speed reading processing.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention adopts the following embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a fixed original image reading apparatus 1 having an optical unit 7 capable of switching resolution, a first light source 14 for irradiating a film, a film holder 21 for accommodating the film, and a print 23 are provided. And a medium transporting means 3 capable of transporting the film in the main scanning direction, adjacent to the side surface of the original cover 2, and reading the film or print by moving the optical unit 7 by a predetermined amount from the home position in the sub scanning direction. I do.

According to the above-described embodiment, in a fixed-document type image reading apparatus, a film or a print is read at a low resolution or a high resolution without being mounted on a document table. In other words, when reading a film or print, the film or print is transported and stopped in the reading area, and the optical unit is moved to perform the reading process, so that batch processing can be performed when reading various types of media. And performs a high-speed reading process.

Further, the medium transport means 3 includes a pick mechanism which can be retracted when reading the film, a guide portion which enables the film holder and the print to be transported on the same reading surface, and a roller which is transported by the transported film holder or the print. An applied pressure switching mechanism for switching the applied pressure to be pressed.

By adopting the above-described embodiment, the thickness of the film holder is different from that of the print. However, when the film holder and the print are conveyed on the same reading surface, the reading medium is prevented from being damaged by applying an appropriate pressure.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressing force switching mechanism includes a first pressing element 36 formed of a material having a small spring constant, and a second pressing element 36 formed of a material having a large spring constant. The first pressurizing element 36 presses the print when transporting the print, and the first pressurizing element 36 and the second pressurizing element 37 when transporting the film holder 21. Is applied. Preferably, the first pressing element is formed by a compression coil spring having a small spring constant, and the second pressing element is formed by a leaf spring having a large spring constant.

By adopting the above-described embodiment, by reducing the applied pressure in the print transport and increasing the applied pressure in the film holder transport, it is possible to prevent the print from being damaged during transport.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium transporting means 3 includes a dust removing member 38 which comes into contact with the film or print at the front and rear portions in the transport direction outside the reading range.
Is provided.

By adopting the above embodiment, the reading surfaces of the film and print are cleaned before and after reading.

In the method of controlling a fixed image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolutions, a film holder for accommodating a film is moved in the main scanning direction and set in a reading area, and the optical unit is moved to a home position. The film is moved by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction from the position, and the film is read at a low resolution and a high resolution.

By adopting the above-described embodiment, in a fixed-document type image reading apparatus, a film is read at a low resolution and a high resolution without being mounted on a document table. In other words, when reading a film, the film holder is transported and stopped in the reading area, and the optical unit is moved to perform reading processing at low resolution and high resolution. Perform processing.

Also, in the control method of a fixed-document type image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolution, the print is moved in the main scanning direction and set in the reading area, and the optical unit is moved from the home position in the sub scanning direction. And the print is read at a low or high resolution.

By adopting the above-described embodiment, in a fixed-document type image reading apparatus, a print is read at a low resolution or a high resolution without being mounted on a document table. That is, when reading a print, the print is conveyed and stopped in the reading area, and the optical unit is moved to perform the reading processing at a low resolution or a high resolution. I do.

A recording medium for realizing control of a fixed image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolution is provided in a computer by moving a film holder for accommodating a film in a main scanning direction to a position within a reading area. A computer-readable program for executing the installation procedure and the procedure of moving the optical unit by a predetermined amount from the home position in the sub-scanning direction and reading the film at a low resolution and a high resolution is recorded. This program is stored in various appropriate recording media such as FDD and CD for recording the program.

A recording medium for realizing control of a fixed-document type image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolution is provided in a computer with a procedure for moving a print in the main scanning direction and setting the print in a reading area; A step of moving the optical unit by a predetermined amount from the home position in the sub-scanning direction and reading the print at a low resolution or a high resolution; This program is stored in various appropriate recording media such as FDD and CD for recording the program.

According to the above-described embodiment, the present invention can be realized using a program for operating a computer, and the program is an FD for recording the program.
Since it is stored in various suitable recording media such as D and CD, it is installed in an arbitrary processing device when necessary to perform processing.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A typical embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description may be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1A, an image reading apparatus 1 used in the DTP field includes an optical unit capable of switching between high resolution and low resolution, and an openable / closable original cover 2, and further includes: Adjacent to the side surface of the document cover 2 located on the home position side of the optical unit, there are provided a medium conveying means 3 for moving a film holder for storing a film and a print in the main scanning direction, and a light source for irradiating the film.

The optical system will be described with reference to FIG. The optical unit 7 includes a CCD 11 and a print 23.
A second light source 15 for irradiating a reflection original including: a first lens 12 for low resolution; a second lens 13 for high resolution;
When reading films and prints, the optical unit 7 is moved within the reading movement range in the sub-scanning direction to perform reading. The first light source 14 that irradiates the film constitutes a surface light source by, for example, a backlight using a diffusion plate. When a reading medium other than a film and a print is set on the document table 4, the reading medium is set based on the document abutting position 5.

Next, the medium transport system will be described.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the medium transport means 3 is
A pick section for separating prints and a transport section for transporting prints and a film holder are configured. Pick part,
Pick roller 31, separation pad 32, pick spring 3
And 3. The pick unit is provided with a retracting mechanism. For example, by rotating the pick roller 31 in the reverse direction, the separation pad 32 and the pick spring 33 are released from the pick roller 31 by meshing with the planetary gears. I have.

The transport section includes a drive roller 34, a driven roller 35, and a pressure switching mechanism for switching a pressure for pressing the roller from above by a film holder or print to be transported. In the pressing force switching mechanism, a first pressing element 36 formed of, for example, a compression coil spring having a small spring constant and a second pressing element 37 formed of, for example, a leaf spring having a large spring constant are fixed to a frame 39. .
The figure shows a state when a print is conveyed,
When the print is conveyed, the first press element 36 presses the print.

The medium transporting means 3 includes a dust removing member 38 which comes into contact with the film and print at the front and rear portions in the transport direction outside the reading range. That is, the dust removing member 38 is disposed in front of the drive roller 34 on the side where the reading medium is inserted and behind the drive roller 34 on the side where the medium is discharged.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the film holder 21 is transported. When the film holder 21 is transported, the film holder 21 is attached by the first pressing element 36 and the second pressing element 37. It is configured to press. In addition,
When transporting the film holder 21, the separation pad 32
And the pick spring 33 are released from the pick roller 31.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 5A, the medium transport means 3 constitutes a guide section 41 for transporting a film holder and a print on the same reading surface. An R shape is formed at the medium insertion opening so that the holder can be easily inserted. The guide 41 forms a film holder guide 42 and a print guide 43. The details will be described later.

FIG. 3B shows an example of the above-mentioned applied pressure switching mechanism. A first pressing element 36 having a small spring constant is always in contact with a substantially central portion of a shaft portion connecting the driven roller 35. Further, a second pressure element 37 having a large spring constant is disposed at both ends of the shaft. Second pressing element 37
Is the distance a between the shaft and the thickness b of the film holder 21
It is set to be slightly smaller than.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the above-mentioned applied pressure switching mechanism. In FIG. 1A, a plurality of drive rollers 34a and 34b are provided at an insertion port and a discharge port of a print or film holder. The driven roller 35a facing the driving roller 34a is provided with a first pressing element 3 having a small spring constant.
6 is always in contact. On the other hand, the driven roller 35b opposed to the drive roller 34b always contacts the second pressing element 37 having a large spring constant. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the distance a between the driven roller 35b and the driving roller 34b is set to be slightly smaller than the thickness dimension b of the film holder 21. That is, only the drive roller 34a is operated in print conveyance, and the drive roller 34a and the drive roller 34b are operated in film holder conveyance.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the guide section 41 constituted by the medium transport means 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the guide portion 41 is provided with the film holder guide portion 4.
2 and a print guide section 43 are formed, and an opening 41a is formed in the reading area. Further, for example, a fluorine coating process is performed on a surface that comes into contact with the film holder or the print during the transport of the medium to protect the film. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the print 23 is conveyed.
FIG. 3C shows a state in which the film holder 42 is transported.

As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the film 22 and the print 23 are transported on the same reading surface.
And the reading height slightly changes. Therefore, the optical system needs to have an autofocus function.

Referring to FIG. 3D, another example of the guide section 41 formed by the medium transport means 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4D, the guide section 41 forms a film holder guide section 42 and a print guide section 43, and forms a transparent plate 41b on the lower surface of the guide section 41 including the reading area.

Next, control of the image reading apparatus will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 1 mainly includes an optical unit 7, a reading medium transporting section 51, a reading moving section 52, and an arithmetic control section 53, and includes a film 22 stored in a film holder 21, Alternatively, the image is read by setting the print 23 in the reading area.

The optical unit 7 includes a first light source 14 for irradiating the film 22 and a second light source 1 for irradiating the print 23.
5, a CCD element 54 for reading images on the film 22 and the print 23, and a resolution switching section 55 for switching between high resolution and low resolution.

The reading medium transport section 51 moves the film holder 21 or print 23 containing the film 22 in the main scanning direction and transports the film holder 21 or print 23 into the reading area, or stops the read film holder 21 or print 2.
Or discharge 3.

The reading moving section 52 moves the optical unit 7 to perform sub-scanning. The arithmetic control unit 53 controls the image reading device 1 according to an instruction from the host device 60 connected to the image reading device 1, and transfers the read image data to the host device 60.

The host device 60 executes the driver program 6
1, an arithmetic control unit 62, a display unit 63, and an input unit 64, and the driver program 61 exchanges data with the image reading device 1. The arithmetic control unit 62 controls the host device 60. The display unit 63 displays necessary data and operations in the image reading process. The input unit 64 inputs an instruction necessary for the image reading processing.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention. The reference numerals refer to FIG. 3 and FIG.

In step S11, the operator places the film holder 21 for storing the film in front of the transport section. Note that the pick section is in a retracted state.

In step S12, the reading medium transport section 51 drives the drive roller 34 to start transporting the film holder 21.

In step S13, when the film holder 21 reaches the reading area, the reading medium transport unit 51 stops the drive roller 34 to stop the film holder 21 from moving.
Is stopped, and the film holder 2 is set at the reading position.

In step S14, the resolution switching section 55 sets the optical unit 7 to low resolution reading.
The reading moving unit 52 performs pre-scanning by moving the optical unit 7 from the home position in the sub-scanning direction. The read data is transferred to the host device 60.

In step S15, the reading moving unit 5
2. After stopping the optical unit 7, the optical unit 2 moves to the home position and stands by.

In step S16, the host device 60
Displays a thumbnail of the transferred read data on the display unit 63.

In step S17, the operator selects a read frame to execute fine scan from the input unit 64.

In step S18, the reading medium transport section 51 moves the film holder 21 by a predetermined amount so that the reading frame is located in the high-resolution reading area.

In step S19, the resolution switching section 55 switches the optical unit 7 to the high resolution mode.

In step S20, the reading moving unit 5
2 performs high resolution mode reading by moving the optical unit 7 from the home position by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction. The read data is transferred to the host device 60.

In step S21, the arithmetic control unit 53
Determines whether frame reading (fine scan reading) has been completed. If the reading process is completed, step S22
Proceed to. If the reading process is not completed, the process returns to step S18.

In step S22, the reading moving unit 5
2. After stopping the optical unit 7, the optical unit 2 moves to the home position and stands by.

In step S23, the reading medium transport section 51 drives the drive roller 34 to eject the film holder 21 and ends the processing.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the embodiment of the present invention. The reference numerals refer to FIG. 2 and FIG.

In step S41, the operator places a plurality of prints 23 in front of the transport section. Note that the pick section is in a retracted state.

In step S42, the reading medium transport section 51 releases the retracted state of the pick section, drives the pick roller 31 and the drive roller 34, and transports the print 23 separated by the pick section to the reading position. Start.

In step S43, when the print medium reaches the center of the reading area, the reading medium transport section 51 stops the drive roller 34 to stop the transport of the print 23, and moves the print 23 to the reading central position. Install.

In step S44, the reading moving unit 5
2 starts reading by moving the optical unit 7 from the home position in the sub-scanning direction. At this time, the optical unit 7 is set to low-resolution reading or high-resolution reading. The read data is transferred to the host device 60.

In step S45, the reading moving unit 5
2. After stopping the optical unit 7, the optical unit 2 moves to the home position and stands by.

In step S46, the reading medium transport section 51 drives the drive roller 34 to discharge the print 23.

In step S47, the arithmetic control unit 53
Determines whether all print reading processes have been completed.
If the reading process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S48. If the reading process is not completed, the process returns to step S42.

In step S48, the reading medium transport section 51 sets the pick section to the retracted state and ends the processing.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

In a fixed image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolution, a light source for irradiating a film, and a medium transport means for transporting a film holder and a print for accommodating the film in the main scanning direction are provided. By providing the optical unit adjacent to the side surface of the document cover and moving the optical unit by a predetermined amount from the home position in the sub-scanning direction to read the film or print,
It is possible to read at a low resolution or a high resolution without mounting a film or print on a platen. In other words, when reading a film or print, the film or print is transported and stopped in the reading area, and the optical unit is moved to perform the reading process, so that batch processing can be performed when reading various types of media. And high-speed reading processing can be performed.

Further, the medium transport means includes a pick mechanism which can be retracted when reading the film, a guide portion which enables the film holder and the print to be transported on the same reading surface, and a roller which is pressed by the transported film holder or the print. The film holder and the print have different thicknesses by providing an applied pressure switching mechanism that switches the applied pressure, but prevents the read medium from being damaged by applying an appropriate applied pressure when transporting on the same reading surface. can do.

Further, the pressing force switching mechanism includes a first pressing element formed of a material having a small spring constant and a second pressing element formed of a material having a large spring constant. Pressing the print with the first pressing element and pressing the film holder with the first pressing element and the second pressing element when transporting the film holder reduces the pressing pressure in print transport, In the transfer of the holder, the applied pressure can be increased, and the print can be prevented from being damaged during the transfer.

Further, the medium transport means includes a dust removing member which comes into contact with the film or print at the front and rear portions in the transport direction outside the read range, so that the film and the print can be read before and after reading. Can be cleaned.

Further, in the control method of the original-fixed type image reading apparatus provided with the optical unit capable of switching the resolution, the film holder for accommodating the film is moved in the main scanning direction and set in the reading area, and the optical unit is set at home. By moving a predetermined amount from the position in the sub-scanning direction and reading the film at low resolution and high resolution, it is possible to perform batch processing without loading the film on the platen and perform high-speed reading processing when reading the film can do.

Also, in the control method of the image reading apparatus of the fixed document type having the optical unit capable of switching the resolution, the print is moved in the main scanning direction and set in the reading area, and the optical unit is moved from the home position in the sub scanning direction. By scanning the print at a low resolution or a high resolution while moving the print by a predetermined amount, it is possible to realize a control for performing a batch reading process without loading the print on a document table and performing a high-speed reading process.

The present invention can be realized by using a program for operating a computer. This program is stored in various suitable recording media such as an FDD and a CD for recording the program. Can be installed in the processing device of (1) to perform processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the prior art.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of the prior art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Image reading device 3: Medium transport means 7: Optical unit 14: First light source 15: Second light source 21: Film holder 22: Film 23: Print 31: Pick roller 32: Separation pad 33: Pick spring 34: Drive roller 35 : Driven roller 36: first pressing element 37: second pressing element 38: dust removing member 41: guide section 42: film holder guide section 43: print guide section 51: reading medium transport section 52: reading moving section 53: Operation control unit 54: CCD device 55: Resolution switching unit 60: Host device 61: Driver program

Claims (8)

[Claims] An image reading apparatus of a fixed document type having an optical unit capable of switching resolutions, wherein a light source for irradiating a film, a film holder for accommodating the film, and a medium conveying means for conveying a print in a main scanning direction. And an image reading apparatus, wherein the optical unit is provided adjacent to a side surface of the document cover, and the optical unit is moved from the home position by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction to read a film or a print. 2. A medium transporting means comprising: a pick mechanism which can be retracted when reading a film; a guide which allows the film holder and the print to be transported on the same reading surface; and a roller which is pressed by the transported film holder or the print. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an applied pressure switching mechanism configured to switch the applied pressure. 3. The pressure switching mechanism comprises a first pressure element formed of a material having a small spring constant and a second pressure element formed of a material having a large spring constant. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print is pressed by the first pressing element, and the film holder is pressed by the first pressing element and the second pressing element when transporting the film holder. . 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said medium conveying means includes a dust removing member which comes into contact with a film or a print at a front portion and a rear portion in a conveying direction outside a reading range. . 5. A control method for a fixed-document type image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolutions, wherein a film holder for accommodating a film is moved in a main scanning direction and set in a reading area, and the optical unit is mounted on a home. A film is read at a low resolution and a high resolution by moving the film by a predetermined amount in a sub-scanning direction from a position. 6. A method for controlling a fixed image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolutions, wherein a print is moved in a main scanning direction and set in a reading area, and the optical unit is moved from a home position in a sub scanning direction. And reading the print at a low resolution or a high resolution by moving the print by a predetermined amount. 7. A recording medium for realizing control of a fixed-document type image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolutions, wherein a film holder for accommodating a film is moved in a main scanning direction to a computer to move the film holder into a reading area. A recording medium recording a computer-readable program for executing a setting procedure and a procedure of moving the optical unit by a predetermined amount from a home position in a sub-scanning direction and reading a film at a low resolution and a high resolution. 8. A recording medium for realizing control of a fixed-document type image reading apparatus having an optical unit capable of switching resolution, comprising: a step of moving a print in a main scanning direction in a computer and installing the print in a reading area; A recording medium for recording a computer-readable program for causing the optical unit to move by a predetermined amount from the home position in the sub-scanning direction and reading a print at a low resolution or a high resolution.