JP2001169048A - Image reader, its controlling method and its recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader which generates image data by an image area being the same as that of image data of low resolution while image data of high resolution is made independent of the location where an original is placed in the image reader and its controlling method which offer the image data of high resolution read by switching to a lens for a high resolution system to a host device when an image is read. SOLUTION: A reading part performing image reading is provided with an optical unit that can move in a horizontal scanning direction, generates a plurality of pieces of image data of high resolution by a successive movement of its reading optical shaft in reading and by applying a lens for a high resolution system, and integrates the plurality of pieces of image data of high resolution to obtain the image data of a prescribed area.

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 generating image data to be provided to a host device, which changes the resolution at the time of reading without reducing the reading area and generates enlarged and clear image data. The present invention relates to a technology for providing a control method for realizing a mechanism and generating enlarged clear image data when the resolution is changed, and further relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing the control method. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Here, the definitions applied to the following terms according to the present invention and the technical background thereof will be described.
Clarify the concept involved.

[0003] The optical axis is a straight line connecting the centers of a reading target surface, a lens, a light receiving surface, and the like of the optical system. Here, the optical axis is represented as a typical center line constituting the optical system.

[0004] Focusing refers to an operation of making a light receiving surface coincide with an image plane with respect to a target object plane in an optical system.

[0005] The focus position is a set value that is set in the process of the focusing operation of the image reading device and is set to a position at which the clearest image is obtained. In the case of an image reading device having a form in which the position of the CCD, which is the light receiving surface, is fixed, the focal position is represented by the position of the lens.

[0006] The in-focus position means a focus position actually realized by adjustment or the like so that focusing is performed at the above-mentioned focus position and the light receiving surface is made coincident with the image plane with respect to the target object plane.

[0007] The second focal position is generated due to the directionality of the lens as seen in, for example, a compound lens in which different types of lenses are combined, and the focal length for reversing the direction of incident light fluctuates. It is based on the characteristic. That is, here, the focal position formed by the incident light incident in the opposite direction to the focal position formed by the incident light incident from the initially set direction and having a focal length different from the originally confirmed focal length Is referred to as a second focal position.

Here, the tilt adjustment refers to an adjustment for eliminating a difference in parallelism between the surface of the original to be read and the CCD as the light receiving surface. As a main method for performing the above-described tilt adjustment in the optical system built in the image reading apparatus, there are a method of adjusting the tilt of the CCD and a method of adjusting the tilt of the lens.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, description will be given of an image reading apparatus which applies a conventional technique and generates enlarged image data by changing the resolution at the time of reading, and a control method thereof.

FIG. 17 shows an image reading apparatus which changes the resolution at the time of reading by exchanging a plurality of fixed focus lenses by applying the conventional technique.

The optical unit 52 provided in the reading section of the image reading apparatus includes a low-resolution lens 53a and a high-resolution lens 53b. When reading the read document 51, either of the low-resolution lens 53a or the high-resolution lens 53b is used. One of them is selected and fixed at a predetermined position on the optical axis F.

Normally, the low-resolution lens 53a and the high-resolution lens 53b are fixed-focus lenses each composed of a combination lens, and form an optimum image at a predetermined position by correcting various aberrations. It has been adjusted accordingly.

For example, when reading the reading area 51a which is a wide area of the reading original 51, the low-resolution lens 53a is fixed at a predetermined position on the optical axis F.

Further, in order to generate image data enlarged by increasing the resolution of the reading original 51, the low-resolution lens 53a is retracted from a predetermined position on the optical axis F, and is replaced by a high-resolution lens. 53b is fixed at a predetermined position on the optical axis F.

By switching and fixing the low-resolution lens system 53a and the high-resolution lens system 53b, it is possible to use a fixed-focus lens adjusted to an optimum state in each reading operation. Is CC
In the D unit 54, the reading light can be obtained in an optimal state.

The high resolution lens system 53b allows the CC
D54 generates high-resolution image data, but the area to be read at the same time is limited to the reading area 51b, which is significantly reduced compared to the reading area 51a read by applying the low-resolution lens 53a. .

In switching between the low-resolution lens 53a and the high-resolution lens 53b, there is one condition that the fixed positions of the two are different, and if both are simultaneously on the optical axis, There is a condition that they are mutually exclusive.
Therefore, in order to realize the switching mechanism between the low-resolution lens 53a and the high-resolution lens 53b, it is necessary to satisfy the above two conditions.

Further, the CCD unit 54 must maintain a strict parallelism with the original 51 to be read. Normally, a skilled person in charge of adjustment in the assembly adjustment process of the image reading apparatus performs the tilt adjustment of the CCD unit 54.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a description will be given of a control procedure in which an image reading apparatus to which the conventional technique is applied changes the resolution and executes image reading.

The configuration of the image reading apparatus will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

The reading section B51 built in the image reading apparatus B05 has an optical unit B52.

The optical unit B52 includes a lens switching unit B53 and a CCD unit B54 for outputting an image signal.

For example, when the image reading apparatus has a type for switching between a low-resolution lens and a high-resolution lens with a fixed focus as shown in FIG. 17, the lens switching section B53 is used as a lens for image reading. The operation of selecting either the resolution system lens or the high resolution system lens and setting it at a predetermined position on the optical axis is executed.

The reading drive unit B56 is provided with an arithmetic control unit B5.
The reading unit B51 is moved in the sub-scanning direction according to the instruction of 0.

The control program section B57 stores a control program that defines a control procedure of the image reading device B05. A necessary control procedure is provided to the arithmetic and control unit B50.

The host device B06 connected to the image reading device B05 includes a driver program B61 installed when connecting to the image reading device B05.
And is in charge of connection with the image reading device B05.

The operation control unit B60 built in the host device B06 includes an application program B62.
Executes various image processing in accordance with the request.

Based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
A description will be given of a control procedure in which the image reading apparatus to which the conventional technique is applied changes the resolution and executes image reading. The reference numerals used in the description of each step of the control procedure are the same as those in FIG.
by.

In step S81, a reading mode of image reading executed by the image reading apparatus B05 is set.

That is, if the operator selects the high resolution mode as the current reading mode in step S82, the process proceeds to step S83, where the lens switching unit B53 sets a high resolution system lens.

The above-described reading by the high-resolution lens can generate enlarged image data, but at the same time, the reading width is limited.

If the operator selects the low-resolution mode as the current reading mode in step S82,
Proceeding to step S84, the lens switching unit B53 sets a low-resolution lens.

In step S85, the reading unit B51 reads the image, moves the reading unit B51 in the sub-scanning direction by the reading driving unit B56, and proceeds to step S86 to generate image data.

In step S87, the arithmetic control unit B50 transfers the image data to the host device B06.

If it is specified in step S88 that an adjacent image area is to be additionally read, the flow advances to step S89 to move the original placed on the image reading device B05 in the main scanning direction, and the flow returns to step S85.

If reading of the adjacent image area is completed in step S88, the operation proceeds to step S90, where the arithmetic control unit B60 of the host device B06 transmits the image data provided by the image reading device B05 to the application program B62. Process according to.

As described above, when an image is read using a high-resolution lens in an image reading apparatus to which the conventional technique is applied, the resolution is improved but the reading width of the image is restricted and reduced.

In order to supplement the read width of the reduced image, there is a method in which the read original is moved and read again as shown in step S89 of the flowchart shown in FIG. However, in the method of moving the read original, only images independent of each other are arranged.

[0039]

As described above, the conventional image reading apparatus has the following problems.

1) The image reading area is reduced by executing image reading using a high-resolution lens.

Therefore, it is impossible to generate image data enlarged by a high-resolution lens in the entire image reading area of the image reading apparatus.

2) For a high-resolution lens having a fixed focus, an enlargement magnification corresponding to each individual lens is set.

Therefore, the image reading apparatus requires a high-resolution lens of a type corresponding to the type of magnification to be set.

3) In image data enlarged by a high-resolution lens, a shift in the degree of parallelism between the surface to be read and the light receiving surface greatly affects image quality.

Therefore, in an image reading apparatus to which a high-resolution lens is applied, it is necessary to strictly adjust the parallelism between the surface to be read and the light receiving surface.

Thus, in the image reading apparatus and the control method therefor, it is possible to generate image data enlarged by the high resolution lens over the entire image reading area of the image reading apparatus, and to provide a fixed focus high resolution lens. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problem to generate image data of different types of enlargement magnifications by using, and to easily adjust the parallelism between a reading target surface and a light receiving surface.

[0047]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

1) The reading unit built in the image reading apparatus has a mechanism for moving the optical axis at the time of reading in the main scanning direction.

2) When the image reading apparatus performs high-resolution reading, the optical axis at the time of reading is moved to a predetermined position in the main scanning direction, and adjacent image areas are sequentially read.

3) The high-resolution image data obtained by sequentially reading the adjacent image areas is subjected to stitch processing in a driver program provided to a host device when the image reading device is connected.

By taking this means, an effect of forming one image data with a plurality of image data having a limited reading area can be obtained.

4) A high-resolution lens used for high-resolution reading is further positioned at the second focal position.

5) Further, the lens of the high resolution system located at the second focal position is inverted to reverse the incident direction.

By taking this measure, the same high-resolution lens has the effect of forming a high-resolution image at a magnification different from the initially set high-resolution reading magnification.

6) The tilt of the high resolution lens is adjusted by its reversing mechanism.

By taking this means, an effect of adjusting the deviation of the parallelism of the light receiving surface with respect to the reading surface at the time of the high resolution reading is obtained.

When the image reading apparatus performs high-resolution reading, the optical axis at the time of reading is moved to a predetermined position in the main scanning direction to sequentially read adjacent image areas. And a control program that defines a procedure for controlling the image reading device and a driver program that is provided to a host device connected to the image reading device. It is stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

By taking this means, it is possible to obtain the effect of equipping the image reading device and the host device connected thereto with necessary control procedures.

[0059]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention takes the following forms.

1) In an image reading apparatus which includes a low-resolution fixed-focus lens and a high-resolution fixed-focus lens for generating image data to be provided to the host device by being connected to the host device, An optical unit having means for setting the position of the optical axis by moving in the main scanning direction is provided in a reading unit that reads an image while moving in the scanning direction.

By taking this form, the image reading apparatus has an effect of equipping a mechanism for sequentially reading adjacent image areas when reading an image with a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system.

2) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the optical unit includes means for inverting the incident direction of image reading light incident on a high-resolution fixed-focus lens provided in the optical unit.

3) In the above image reading apparatus, the optical unit is a means for reversing the direction of the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system provided therein and reversing the incident direction.

4) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the optical unit has means for adjusting an angle at which a high-resolution fixed-focus lens provided in the optical unit is inverted at a focal position on the optical axis.

5) In the image reading apparatus, the optical unit causes the image reading light inverted by the folded optical path provided therein to enter a high-resolution fixed-focus lens.

By taking this form, the image reading apparatus has an effect of equipping a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system with a mechanism for executing image reading with an image formed at the second focal position.

6) A method of controlling an image reading apparatus including a low-resolution fixed-focus lens and a high-resolution fixed-focus lens for generating image data to be provided to the host device by connecting to the host device. In the above, when the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device sets a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system as a lens to be used for reading, the optical axis position is moved in the main scanning direction to change the reading area. Read the image, read adjacent image areas to generate high-resolution read image data consisting of a plurality of image data, and juxtapose the high-resolution read image data consisting of the plurality of image data generated by the reading unit. To form one piece of high-resolution read image data.

With this configuration, the image reading apparatus combines high-resolution image data read using a fixed-resolution lens of a high-resolution system, and covers the entire readable area of the image reading apparatus. An effect of forming high-resolution read image data is obtained.

7) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the optical unit provided in the reading section of the image reading apparatus moves a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system on the optical axis, and Is set to the second focal position of the fixed focus lens, and the image reading magnification read by the image reading device is changed.

8) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the optical unit provided in the reading section of the image reading apparatus sets the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system to the second focal position and sets the high-resolution lens to the high-focus system. The resolution system lens is inverted to reverse the incident direction, and the image reading magnification read by the image reading device is changed.

By adopting this mode, the image reading apparatus has an effect of reading image data having different magnifications by using one high-resolution fixed-focus lens.

9) In the above-described method of controlling the image reading device, the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device may change the inclination with respect to the optical axis when the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system is inverted. adjust.

By adopting this mode, the image reading apparatus has an effect of performing a tilt adjustment at the time of image formation when reading an image using a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system.

10) A recording medium which is connected to a host device and stores a program for realizing control of an image reading device for generating image data to be provided to the host device, and which is provided in a reading section of the image reading device. The unit sets the lens to be used for reading to a fixed-resolution lens of the high-resolution system, moves the optical axis position in the main scanning direction to change the reading area, reads adjacent image areas, and reads a plurality of images. A procedure for generating high-resolution read image data consisting of data, a procedure for juxtaposing high-resolution read image data consisting of a plurality of pieces of image data generated by the reading unit, and integrating them into one piece of high-resolution read image data. Is stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

By adopting this mode, the image reading apparatus has an effect of providing a procedure for reading image data having different magnifications using a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system.

[0076]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A representative embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a lens applied to image reading in an image reading apparatus having a low-resolution fixed focus lens and a high-resolution fixed focus lens according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. The principle of switching from a low-resolution fixed focus lens to a high-resolution fixed focus lens to change the image reading magnification from low resolution to high resolution will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, an optical unit 2 incorporated in a reading unit (not shown) which moves in the sub-scanning direction and reads an image is provided inside the reading unit by a guide mechanism (not shown). Moves in the main scanning direction.

The optical unit 2 has a lens unit composed of a low-resolution lens 3a and a high-resolution lens 3b. The lens unit is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis formed on the optical unit 2. The optical unit 2 is moved in the optical unit 2 by a simple guide mechanism (not shown) and a guide mechanism (not shown) movable in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

When the image reading apparatus sets the image area having the maximum width as the image area to be read, the low-resolution lens 3a is moved to the predetermined position on the optical axis and fixed.

Further, the optical unit 2 moves in the main scanning direction in the reading section, and fixes the optical axis formed at the F0 position.

That is, the light source lamp (not shown)
Is passed through the low-resolution lens 3a,
The image reaches the CCD unit 4 and forms an image.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the image reading apparatus generates high-resolution image data, the lens unit is moved to move the high-resolution lens 3b to a predetermined position on the optical axis. Fix it.

Further, the optical unit 2 moves in the main scanning direction in the reading section, and fixes the optical axis formed at the position F1.

That is, the light source lamp (not shown)
Is passed through the high-resolution lens 3b,
The image reaches the CCD unit 4 and forms an image.

After the reading unit is moved in the sub-scanning direction while the optical unit 2 is positioned at the optical axis F1 to read the original 1 to be read, the optical unit 2 is read as shown in FIG. The reading unit is moved in the sub-scanning direction while the optical axis to be formed is fixed at the position F2, and the reading unit is moved in the sub-scanning direction while the optical axis is set at the position F2. An image area adjacent to the image area having the optical axis is read.

Thereafter, the optical axis to be formed is sequentially moved,
Read adjacent image areas.

Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the reading area in low-resolution reading and high-resolution reading will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the reading area 6 in the case of low-resolution reading forms a reading line 7 with its maximum length, and the reading section moves in the sub-scanning direction, so that the reading area 6 Read all areas.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the first area for high-resolution reading, a reading line 7a reduced according to the reading magnification is formed, and the reading section moves in the sub-scanning direction to perform the first reading. The partial reading area 6a is read by reading.

As shown in FIG. 4C, in the second area for high-resolution reading, a reading line 7a equivalent to that read in the first area is formed, and the reading unit moves in the sub-scanning direction. In the second reading, the reading area 6b adjacent to the first reading area
Read.

Thereafter, the optical axis to be formed is sequentially moved,
Read adjacent image areas.

Referring to FIG. 8, various focal points observed when a combination lens is used will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8A, light rays incident on the combination lens and parallel to the optical axis are refracted by the combination lens, and the first light ray having a distance fa from the reference plane position K of the combination lens. Pass through the focal point Fa1. The refracted light passing through the first focal point Fa1 eliminates various aberrations by adjusting the characteristics of the combination lens.

The first focal point Fa2 is also set at a distance fa in the direction opposite to the reference plane position K of the combination lens.
Exists. However, since the refracted light beam passing through the first focal point Fa2 is obtained by adjusting the characteristics of the combination lens according to the first focal point Fa1, various aberrations may not be completely eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 8 (b), light rays parallel to the optical axis in the direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 8 (a) are refracted by the combination lens, and The light passes through a second focal point Fb1 at a distance of fb from the reference plane position K of the combination lens. The refracted light passing through the second focal point Fb1 eliminates various aberrations by adjusting the characteristics of the combination lens.

Further, the second focal point Fb2 is also set at a distance fb in the opposite direction from the reference plane position K of the combination lens.
Exists. However, since the refracted light beam passing through the second focal point Fb2 is obtained by adjusting the characteristics of the combination lens according to the second focal point Fb1, various aberrations may not be completely eliminated.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 8C, one combination lens has four focal points Fa1, Fa2, Fb1, and Fb2 according to the directionality of the incident light.

Referring to FIG. 5, the principle of image reading set by the image reading apparatus according to the representative embodiment of the present invention by applying the second focus of the high-resolution lens will be described.

That is, initially, the lens unit (having the low-resolution system lens 3a and the high-resolution system lens 3b) was at the position A where image reading with low resolution was executed, but the lens unit was moved to a high position. After moving to the position B where the image reading based on the resolution is executed, the position is further moved to the position C to cause the high-resolution lens 3b to form an image at the second focal point.

With the high-resolution lens 3b fixed at the position C, the image reading apparatus can obtain an image with a higher magnification than when the high-resolution lens 3b is fixed at the position B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the high-resolution lens 3b is moved from the position B and its posture is reversed and fixed at the position D, the high-resolution lens 3b can 2
Can be formed by the focal point.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a mechanism for inverting the attitude of the high resolution lens 3b. That is, the lens unit 3 is rotatably instructed by the shaft 3c, and the lens unit 3 is maintained in a required posture by an appropriate driving mechanism (not shown).

The posture of the lens unit can be adjusted by, for example, adjusting the reversal angle thereof, so that the angle between the high-resolution system lens 3b and the optical axis can be adjusted. The tilt adjustment can be performed.

That is, for example, in the manufacturing process of the image reading apparatus, the tilt adjustment of the optical unit, which has conventionally relied on a skilled worker, does not require the skill of the worker by adjusting the reversal angle. In addition to this, it is possible to realize automation of the tilt adjustment.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the mechanism for inverting the attitude of the high resolution lens 3b. That is, the lens unit is an optical unit that forms an optical axis folded by a plurality of mirrors.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in the case of reading at low resolution, the low-resolution lens 3a is fixed at a predetermined position on the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 9B, in the case of reading at high resolution, the high resolution lens 3b is fixed at a predetermined position in the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 9C, in the case of reading at a higher resolution set higher, the high resolution lens 3b is fixed at a predetermined position beyond the mirrors 5b and 5c in the optical axis. The direction of the reading light incident on the high-resolution lens 3b is reversed by the mirrors 5b and 5c.

Thus, in an optical unit that forms an optical axis folded by a plurality of mirrors, it is possible to reverse the direction of light incident on the lens unit by changing the position where the lens unit is disposed. You can see that there is.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 16, a description will be given of a procedure of image reading control executed by the image reading apparatus according to the representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus according to a representative embodiment of the present invention and a host device connected to the image reading apparatus.

The reading section B11 built in the image reading apparatus B01 has an optical unit B12 and an optical unit moving section B15 for moving the optical unit B12 in the main scanning direction.

The optical unit B12 includes a lens unit driving unit B13 for moving the position of a lens unit having a low-resolution system lens and a high-resolution system lens, and a CCD.
And a unit B14.

Further, a reading drive section B16 for moving the reading section B11 in the sub-scanning direction is provided, and a control program section B17 for providing a control program for defining a control procedure to the image reading apparatus B01 is provided.

The host device B02 connected to the image reading device B01 has a driver program B21 installed when the image reading device B01 is connected, and the driver program B21 includes a high-resolution image reading device B01. Is provided with a stitch processing portion B21a for integrating the image data read by the.

Based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
A procedure for executing control of the image reading apparatus according to the representative embodiment of the present invention will be described. The reference numerals used in the description of each step are based on FIG.

In step S01, the image reading device B
When the reading mode is set to 01 and the process proceeds to step S02 and the high resolution mode is designated, the process proceeds to step S03 and the optical unit B12 sets the high resolution lens.

Details of the procedure in which the optical unit B12 sets a high-resolution lens in step S03 are described below.
According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 (a), FIG. 13 or FIG.

The procedure for setting the high-resolution system lens by the optical unit B12 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Reference numerals used in detail of the procedure based on the above-described flowchart are based on FIG.

In step S21, the lens unit composed of the low-resolution lens 3a and the high-resolution lens 3b in the optical unit 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis formed on the optical unit 2 to move the high-resolution lens. Lens 3b
To the optical axis.

In step S22, the lens unit is moved along the optical axis, the focal position of the high-resolution lens 3b is changed from A to B, and the operation of changing the setting to the high-resolution lens is completed. I do.

The procedure for setting the high-resolution system lens by the optical unit B12 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Reference numerals used in detail of the procedure based on the above-described flowchart are based on FIG.

In step S31, the lens unit including the low-resolution lens 3a and the high-resolution lens 3b in the optical unit 2 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis formed on the optical unit 2 to move the high-resolution lens. Lens 3b
To the optical axis.

If the current high-resolution reading setting specifies the maximum resolution in step S32, the flow advances to step S33 to move the lens unit along the optical axis to move the focal position of the high-resolution system lens 3b from A to A. Change to C
The operation of changing the setting for the high-resolution lens ends.

If the current high-resolution reading does not specify the maximum resolution in step S32, the flow advances to step S34 to move the lens unit along the optical axis, and to set the focal point of the high-resolution lens 3b. Position A to B
To end the operation for changing the setting for the high-resolution lens.

Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, the details of the procedure for setting the high-resolution system lens by the optical unit B12 according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The reference numerals used in detail of the procedure based on the above flowchart are based on FIG.

In step S41, the lens unit including the low-resolution system lens 3a and the high-resolution system lens 3b in the optical unit 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis formed on the optical unit 2, and the high-resolution system Lens 3b
To the optical axis.

If the current high-resolution reading setting specifies the maximum resolution in step S42, the flow advances to step S43 to move the lens unit along the optical axis, and then invert the lens unit to obtain a high-resolution image. The focal position of the system lens 3b is changed from A to D.

If the current high-resolution reading setting does not specify the maximum resolution in step S42, the flow advances to step S44 to move the lens unit along the optical axis and to focus the high-resolution lens 3b. Position A to B
Change to

If it is specified in step S44 that focus correction is to be performed, the flow advances to step S45 to execute focus correction and end the operation of changing the setting of the high-resolution lens. If it is specified in step S44 that the focus correction is not to be performed, the operation for changing the setting for the high-resolution system lens is terminated.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the details of the focus correction procedure executed in step S45 will be described.

FIG. 15 schematically shows the focus correcting mechanism of the lens unit. The focus correction mechanism is based on the reversing mechanism of the lens unit already described with reference to FIG.

The lens unit composed of the low-resolution lens 3a and the high-resolution lens 3b is rotatably locked to the X-axis guide 13 via the shaft 3c, and is locked by an appropriate driving mechanism (not shown). Set the angle.

The X-axis guide 13 is an X-axis rail 13a.
The stop position is set by a suitable drive mechanism (not shown).

The X-axis rail 13a is connected to the Y-axis guide 12
The Y-axis guide 12 is fixed to the Y-axis rail 12a.
The stop position is set by a suitable drive mechanism (not shown).

The Y-axis rail 12a is fixed in the optical unit by an appropriate method.

On the basis of the flowchart shown in FIG.
The details of the procedure of the focus correction executed in step S45 will be described. The reference numerals quoted in the description of each step are shown in FIG.
0 and FIG.

In step S51, the CCD unit B14 reads the document 1, and proceeds to step S52 to record the read output of the predetermined points a and b.

In step S53, the Y-axis guide 12 is moved by a predetermined amount in the + direction, and in step S54
The CCD unit B14 reads the document 1 again, and proceeds to step S55 to record the read output values at the predetermined points a and b.

If the number of movements does not reach the predetermined number in step S56, the flow returns to step S53.

In step S57, the read output values of the points a and b are checked, and the maximum output position Sa corresponding to the maximum output value of point a and the maximum output position Sb corresponding to the maximum output value of point b are determined. And figure out.

Thus, at the maximum output position Sa and the maximum output position Sb, the points a and b
It can be seen that the clearest read image was obtained in each of the examples.

If the relational expression of Sa <Sb is established in step S58, the flow advances to step S59 to rotate the lens unit in the + direction according to the difference to adjust the tilt of the lens unit.

The above-described tilt adjustment procedure is a means for setting the tilt adjustment value of the image reading device in the production adjustment process of the image reading device.

If the relational expression Sa <Sb does not hold in step S58, the flow advances to step S60 to proceed to step S60.
If the relational expression of> Sb is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S61, in which the lens unit is turned in the minus direction according to the difference, and the tilt adjustment of the lens unit is performed.

In the above step S60, Sa = Sb
If the following relational expression holds, the tilt adjustment of the lens unit is not performed.

In step S62, the Y-axis guide 12 is moved to the above Sa position. This means that the focal position is determined while maintaining the required accuracy at the point a close to the shaft 3c for rotatably locking the lens unit.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description of the image reading procedure will be continued.

In step S04, optical unit moving section B
Reference numeral 15 moves the optical unit B12 to set the position of the optical axis at a predetermined position.

In step S05, the reading drive section B16 reads the original while moving the reading section B11 in the sub-scanning direction, and proceeds to step S06 to generate high-resolution image data based on the read output obtained from the CCD unit. . The high-resolution image data corresponds to the restricted area in the read image area as described above.

In step S07, the high-resolution image data is transferred to the host device B02.

If it is determined in step S08 that the adjacent area has been read, the flow returns to step S04, and the adjacent area is read based on the following steps.

In step S09, the driver program B21 installed in the host device B02 receives the transfer of a plurality of high-resolution image data from the image reading device B01, and the stitching section B21a transmits the high-resolution image data. Are combined into one image data.

If the setting of the high-resolution lens is not specified in step S02, the process proceeds to step S12, where the optical unit B12 sets the low-resolution lens.

The details of the procedure in which the optical unit B12 sets the low-resolution system lens in step S12 are described below.
According to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12B, the details of the procedure for setting the low resolution system lens by the optical unit B12 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Reference numerals used in detail of the procedure based on the above-described flowchart are based on FIG.

In step S25, the lens unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis formed on the optical unit 2 so that the low resolution lens 3a is aligned with the optical axis.

In step S26, it is confirmed that the focal position of the low-resolution lens 3a is at A, and the operation of changing the setting to the low-resolution lens 3 is completed.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description of the image reading procedure will be continued.

In step S13, the optical unit moving section B
Reference numeral 15 moves the optical unit B12 to set the position of the optical axis at a predetermined position.

In step S14, the reading drive section B16 reads the original while moving the reading section B11 in the sub-scanning direction, and proceeds to step S15 to generate low-resolution image data based on the read output obtained from the CCD unit. . As described above, the read image area of the low-resolution image data corresponds to the entire image read area of the image reading apparatus B01.

In step S16, the low-resolution image data is transferred to the host device B02.

In step S10, the arithmetic and control unit B20 of the host device B02 performs necessary processing on the image data based on the application program B22.

[0165]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

1) In an image reading apparatus which is connected to a host device and which generates image data to be provided to the host device, which includes a low-resolution fixed-focus lens and a high-resolution fixed-focus lens, An optical unit having means for setting the position of the optical axis by moving in the main scanning direction is provided in a reading unit that reads an image while moving in the scanning direction.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus has an effect of equipping a mechanism for sequentially reading adjacent image areas when reading an image with a fixed-resolution lens of a high-resolution system.

2) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the optical unit has means for reversing the incident direction of image reading light incident on a high-resolution fixed-focus lens provided therein.

3) In the image reading apparatus, the optical unit is means for reversing the direction of the high-resolution fixed-focus lens provided therein and reversing the incident direction.

4) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the optical unit has means for adjusting an angle at which a high-resolution fixed-focus lens provided in the optical unit is inverted at a focal position on the optical axis.

5) In the image reading apparatus, the optical unit causes the image reading light inverted by the folded optical path provided therein to enter a high-resolution fixed-focus lens.

By adopting this means, the image reading apparatus has an effect of equipping a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system with a mechanism for executing image reading with an image formed at the second focal position.

Further, by taking the above-described means, the image reading apparatus can return a mechanism for executing image reading with an image formed at the second focal position on the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system by returning a space in the optical path. It is possible to reverse the direction of incidence of the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system without setting a reversing mechanism, so that the reversing mechanism of the lens unit is not only necessary This eliminates the need for the space required for reversing the lens unit. This realizes a compact optical unit having a reversing function with a simple mechanism, so that the image reading apparatus can be set small.

6) A method for controlling an image reading apparatus including a low-resolution fixed-focus lens and a high-resolution fixed-focus lens for generating image data to be provided to the host device by connecting to the host device. In the above, when the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device sets a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system as a lens to be used for reading, the optical axis position is moved in the main scanning direction to change the reading area. Read the image, read adjacent image areas to generate high-resolution read image data consisting of a plurality of image data, and juxtapose the high-resolution read image data consisting of the plurality of image data generated by the reading unit. To form one piece of high-resolution read image data.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus combines high-resolution image data read using a fixed-resolution lens of a high-resolution system, and covers the entire readable area of the image reading apparatus. Since the high-resolution read image data is formed, an advantage is obtained that the advantages of the individual fixed-focus lenses that are inexpensive and reliably deal with various aberrations can be used to the maximum.

7) In the above-described method of controlling the image reading apparatus, the optical unit provided in the reading section of the image reading apparatus moves the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system on the optical axis, and Is set to the second focal position of the fixed focus lens, and the image reading magnification read by the image reading device is changed.

8) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the optical unit provided in the reading section of the image reading apparatus sets the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system to the second focal position and sets the high-resolution lens to the high-focus position. The resolution system lens is inverted to reverse the incident direction, and the image reading magnification read by the image reading device is changed.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus reads image data having different magnifications using a single high-resolution fixed-focus lens, so that various reading magnifications can be obtained using a small number of lenses. Is obtained.

9) In the above-described method for controlling the image reading device, the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device may adjust the inclination with respect to the optical axis when the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system is inverted. adjust.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus performs the tilt adjustment at the time of image formation when executing the image reading using the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system, and at the same time, the image reading apparatus has conventionally been skilled in the production process. This makes it possible to replace the tilt adjustment process that has been dependent on the operator with a simple operation, and to achieve the effect of realizing provision of a product with reduced production costs by automating the adjustment process.

10) A recording medium which is connected to a host device and stores a program for realizing control of the image reading device for generating image data to be provided to the host device, and which is provided in a reading section of the image reading device. The unit sets the lens to be used for reading to a fixed-resolution lens of the high-resolution system, moves the optical axis position in the main scanning direction to change the reading area, reads adjacent image areas, and reads a plurality of images. A procedure for generating high-resolution read image data consisting of data, a procedure for juxtaposing high-resolution read image data consisting of a plurality of pieces of image data generated by the reading unit, and integrating them into one piece of high-resolution read image data. Is stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

By taking this measure, the image reading apparatus has an effect of providing a procedure for reading image data having different magnifications using a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the principle according to a typical embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram according to a representative embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the prior art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Document to be read 2: Optical unit 3: Lens unit 3a: Low-resolution lens 3b: High-resolution lens 3c: Shaft 4: CCD unit 5a, 5b, 5c: Mirror 6, 6a, 6b: Reading area 7, 7a: Read line

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C051 AA01 BA03 DA03 DB01 DB22 DB24 DB28 DC07 DE09 DE11 DE24 DE26 EA03 5C072 AA01 CA02 DA02 DA04 DA23 EA05 FB03 FB06 MA01 UA20

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a low-resolution fixed-focus lens and a high-resolution fixed-focus lens connected to a host device to generate image data to be provided to the host device; An image reading device, wherein the reading unit that reads an image by moving in the scanning direction has an optical unit including means for setting the position of the optical axis by moving in the main scanning direction. 2. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said optical unit has means for reversing an incident direction of image reading light incident on a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system provided therein. The image reading device according to claim 1. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit is means for reversing the direction of a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system provided therein and reversing the incident direction. The image reading device according to claim 2. 4. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said optical unit has means for adjusting an angle at which a high-resolution fixed-focus lens provided inside thereof is inverted at a focal position on an optical axis. The image reading device according to claim 3. 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit causes the image reading light inverted by a folded optical path provided inside the optical unit to enter a high-resolution fixed-focus lens. 3. The image reading device according to 2. 6. A method for controlling an image reading apparatus comprising a low-resolution fixed-focus lens and a high-resolution fixed-focus lens connected to a host device to generate image data to be provided to the host device. In the above, when the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device sets a high-resolution fixed-focus lens as a lens to be read, the reading area is changed by moving the optical axis position in the main scanning direction. And reads adjacent images to generate high-resolution read image data consisting of a plurality of image data, and juxtaposes the high-resolution read image data consisting of a plurality of image data generated by the reading unit. And combine
A method for controlling an image reading device, comprising forming one piece of high-resolution read image data. 7. The method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device moves a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system on an optical axis to thereby control the high-resolution system. The method of controlling an image reading device according to claim 6, wherein the second focus position of the fixed focus lens is set, and an image reading magnification read by the image reading device is changed. 8. The method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device sets a fixed-focus lens of a high-resolution system to a second focal position thereof and sets the high-focus lens to the height. The control method for an image reading device according to claim 6, wherein the resolution system lens is inverted to reverse the incident direction, and the image reading magnification read by the image reading device is changed. 9. The method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit provided in the reading unit of the image reading device changes a tilt with respect to an optical axis when the fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system is inverted. The control method of the image reading device according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment is performed. 10. A recording medium which is connected to a host device and stores a program for realizing control of an image reading device for generating image data to be provided to the host device, wherein the optical device is provided in a reading section of the image reading device. The unit sets the lens used for reading to a fixed-focus lens of the high-resolution system, moves the optical axis position in the main scanning direction to change the reading area, reads the adjacent image area, and reads a plurality of images. A step of generating high-resolution read image data composed of data; a step of juxtaposing high-resolution read image data composed of a plurality of pieces of image data generated by the reading unit and integrating them into one high-resolution read image data; A computer-readable recording medium, which stores a program for executing the program.