JP2001298564A - Handy scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a handy scanner capable of reading an original with high accuracy without being affected even by a page step difference, recessed and projecting parts, wrinkles and bending of the paper surface or the like and without needing subtle skill. SOLUTION: This handy scanner 10A is provided with a main body part 4 and a reading part 5 which are respectively formed as different bodies, and reading part 5 includes a scanner head 51 for optionally an original image and is also connected to the side end of the part 4 through a hinge part 6 having a turning shaft 62 that is almost parallel to the bottom surface of the part 4 in a freely rockable way.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a handy scanner for reading text or graphics as image information by manually scanning a document surface on which text or graphics are printed or described.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional general handy scanner, a scanner head for optically reading a document image is integrally incorporated in a main body of the handy scanner. It is configured to move along.

The configuration of such a handy scanner is shown in FIGS.
An example is shown in FIG. 11 shows a basic external form of a conventional general handy scanner 1, FIG. 12 shows a sectional structure of a so-called horizontal handy scanner 1A, and FIG. 13 shows a sectional structure of a so-called vertical handy scanner 1B.

[0004] The handy scanner 1 is usually incorporated in an elongated main body cabinet 2 of an appropriate size which is easy to hold in a hand, and a board 21, circuit components 22, batteries 23 and the like are built in the main body cabinet 2. On the surface of the main body cabinet 2, a display unit 24, operation switches 25, and the like for displaying operation contents, reading results, and the like are arranged. The scanner head 26 that reads the document P is provided on the bottom surface (the lower surface in FIG. 12) of the main body cabinet 2 in the case of the horizontal handy scanner 1A, and on the side end surface of the main body cabinet 2 (in FIG. 13) in the case of the vertical handy scanner 1B. Bottom)
Is mounted in a fixed state. A roller 27 and an auxiliary roller 28 for smoothly moving the scanner head 26 are mounted on the same surface as the scanner head 26, and the amount of rotation of the roller 27 is measured by a rotary encoder 29 incorporated in a cabinet, and the scanner 27 The moving amount of the head 26 is detected.

[0005]

The document P to be read by using the handy scanner 1 (1A, 1B) is often a thick book or magazine, and the surface of the document P is Normally, there are steps or inclinations of the page, curvature or wrinkles of the paper surface, and the like. Therefore, such a non-flat document P is transferred to the conventional handy scanner 1 (1A, 1A).
B), the scanner head 26 is moved to the original P
Unless delicate adjustments are made when moving along the surface of the document P, the scanner head 26 often rises from the surface of the document P, or is caught by a step or a wrinkle, and often fails to read well. .

In view of this, the invention described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-46167 has been proposed as a handy scanner capable of reading a document P having a step or unevenness well. As shown in FIG. 14, this handy scanner 1C
Is such that a scanner head 33 (contact image sensor) is supported inside a housing 31 via an elastic member 32 such as a spring, and the scanner head 33 comes into close contact with the document P by the action of the elastic member 32. The document P is configured to follow irregularities and inclinations on the surface of the document P.

However, the handy scanner 1C
, The scanner head 33 is supported so as to be movable up, down, left, and right with respect to the housing 31.
When holding the scanner 1 in the hand and moving it,
May be irregularly shaken, and in such a case, a reading error may occur.

In the horizontal handy scanner 1A as shown in FIG. 12, it is necessary to move the bottom surface of the main body cabinet 2 having the largest surface area along the surface of the document P. For this reason, if the surface of the document P has a step or unevenness on the page, it is easily affected by the step, and there is still a disadvantage that it is difficult to uniformly and accurately read the entire surface of the document P.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even if there is a step or unevenness of a page on the surface of a document, wrinkles or bends on a paper surface, it is not so affected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a handy scanner capable of reading a document with high accuracy without requiring delicate adjustment.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a basic configuration of a handy scanner according to the present invention includes a main body and a reading unit formed separately from each other, and the reading unit stores an original image. A scanner head for optically reading is incorporated, and this reading unit is swingably connected to a side end of the main body via a hinge having a rotation axis substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the main body. Features.

That is, according to the present invention, the reading unit is formed by separately forming the main unit and the reading unit, which are conventionally formed integrally, and by hinge-connecting the reading unit to a side end of the main unit. The part is swung in a swinging state. When the user holds the main body in his hand and presses the reading unit against the surface of the document P, the posture of the reading unit follows steps or inclinations of the surface of the document P, and reading accuracy is improved. Further, since the attitude of the reading unit is not so affected by the angle of the main body held by the hand, the reading operation becomes easy even for a user unfamiliar with the operation.

In the invention according to this basic configuration, the scanner head can be incorporated in the bottom surface of the reading section. Here, the bottom surface of the reading unit is a surface that is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the main unit in a normal use state. Thereby, the same usability as that of the conventional horizontal handy scanner can be obtained. However, in the conventional horizontal handy scanner, a flat portion is required on the surface of the document P so that the entire main body and the reading unit can move smoothly. However, according to the present invention, the main body is set at an appropriate angle. Since the document P can be held by hand, it is sufficient that the surface of the document P has a flat portion where the reading unit can move. Therefore, the original P can be used without being greatly affected by the state of the surface.

The reading unit is configured to be urged toward the bottom surface of the reading unit by an urging means provided on the hinge unit, so that the adhesion of the reading unit to the surface of the document P is improved. As a result, the influence of the step or inclination of the surface of the document P can be further reduced.

In the handy scanner used in the horizontal type as described above, the main unit and the reading unit may be formed so as to be temporarily fixed in a state where the bottom surfaces of the main unit and the reading unit are on the same plane. This further improves the usability as a horizontal handy scanner. Therefore, for a flat original such as a single paper original, a smoother reading operation can be performed using the entire bottom surface of the fixed main body and the reading unit.

On the other hand, in the invention according to the basic configuration, the scanner head may be incorporated in a side end face of the reading section located on the opposite side of the hinge section. Thereby, the same usability as the conventional vertical handy scanner can be obtained. However, in the conventional vertical handy scanner, since the angle of the main body held by the hand directly affects the state of close contact between the reading unit and the surface of the document P, a user unfamiliar with the operation may be inclined or curved. In the case of reading a document, a reading error is likely to occur. In contrast, in the present invention, the reading unit swings in a swinging state and easily contacts the surface of the document P.
Even an unskilled user can easily make the reading unit follow the inclination of the surface of the document P or the like.

In the handy scanner used in the vertical type, the reading unit is held so as to be able to be turned upside down to a position where the scanner head is directed toward the main body, and can be temporarily fixed in the inverted state. It can also be formed. Thus, when not in use, the reading surface of the scanner head can be directed toward the main body to protect it from impacts and dirt.

Further, in the present invention, a cleaning cloth for a scanner head may be attached to a side end of the main body so as to be in contact with the scanner head facing the main body. As a result, the reading surface of the scanner unit is cleaned when not in use, without the user having to take any particular trouble.

Further, in the invention according to the basic configuration, the reading section is provided with a document guide capable of guiding a document having a width smaller than the reading width of the scanner head along the reading surface of the scanner head. Is also good. Thus, a small original such as a business card or a photograph can be easily read.

Further, in the invention according to the basic configuration, the reading unit is rotatably held to a position where the scanner head is directed toward the main unit, and is temporarily held at a position where the scanner head is directed toward the main unit. The document is formed such that a document having a width smaller than the reading width of the scanner head can be inserted and read in a gap formed between the scanner head and the main body in the fixed state. You can also. According to the present invention, a small original such as a business card or a photograph can be easily read by inserting the original into the gap between the scanner head facing the main body and the main body.

Further, in the present invention, the reading directions of the original may be switched to be opposite to each other when the scanner head is oriented toward the main body and when the scanner head is oriented in a direction other than the main body. . The switching of the reading direction can be performed by incorporating a sensor or the like that detects the rotation angle of the hinge around the hinge that connects the main body and the reading unit. Then, the reading direction of the original with respect to the main body is selected according to the normal use state in which the scanner head is moved along the surface of the original P, and the use state in which a small original is inserted into the gap between the scanner head and the main body. By switching between them, usability is further improved.

Further, in the invention according to the basic configuration, the main body is provided with a display unit for displaying the operation contents, the reading result, and the like, and this display unit can erase the display when reading the original. May be formed. According to this, power consumption during use can be saved, and the life of the battery can be extended.

[0022]

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

FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a handy scanner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The handy scanner 10 includes a main unit 4 and a reading unit 5 having separate housings, and the main unit 4 and the reading unit 5 are swingably connected via a hinge 6.

The main body 4 has an elongated and thin shape that is easy to hold in a hand, and a display section 41 for displaying operation contents and the like and an operation switch 42 are arranged on the surface thereof.
In this example, the hinge portion 6 is held between a pair of hinge arms 61 provided so as to protrude from the side end on the short side of the main body portion 4. Between the hinge arms 61, 61,
A rotation shaft 62 of the hinge 6 is formed parallel to the bottom surface of the main body 4 so that the main body 4 and the reading unit 5 can swing within a certain angle range along the rotation shaft 62. Has become. The reading unit 5 incorporates a scanner head 51 that optically reads an image on the document P. Image information read through the scanner head 51 is transmitted to the main unit 4 and processed. You.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of a so-called horizontal handy scanner 10A in which a scanner head 51 is incorporated on the bottom surface of the reading section 5. FIG. In the standard state, the main unit 4 and the reading unit 5 are held in such a state that the bottom surfaces thereof are substantially coplanar as shown in FIG. By moving these bottom surfaces along the surface of the document P, the scanner head 51 installed on the bottom surface of the reading unit 5 reads the document P. Rollers 5 for smoothly moving the scanner head 51 are provided on the bottom surface of the reading unit 5.
2 is attached, and the auxiliary roller 4
3 is attached. Then, a rotary encoder 53 incorporated in the reading unit 5 measures the amount of rotation of the roller 52 and detects the amount of movement of the scanner head 51. A board 44 and a circuit component 4 for processing the read image information are provided inside the main body 4.
5. A battery 46 and the like are incorporated.

In this horizontal handy scanner 10A, the reading section 5 swings with the head swinging with respect to the main body 4, so that the main body 4 is held at an arbitrary angle as shown in FIG. Can be read even if the object is moved along the document P. Therefore, it is sufficient that the surface of the document P has a flat portion on which the reading unit 5 can move, and the document P can be used without being greatly affected by the state of the surface of the document P.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a biasing means 63 such as a spring is incorporated in the hinge portion 6, so that the reading portion 5 is constantly biased to the bottom side. Thereby, the adhesion and the followability of the reading unit 5 to the document P are improved, and even if the surface of the document P has a slight step or inclination, the reading can be easily performed without being affected by the difference.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a lock claw 64 for restraining the reading unit 5 from swinging with respect to the main unit 4 is provided near the hinge unit 6 or at a side end of the main unit 4. Is provided. Then, in a standard state, that is, in a state where the bottom surface of the main unit 4 and the bottom surface of the reading unit 5 are on the same plane, the lock claw 64 operates, and the main unit 4 and the reading unit 5 are fixed. With this configuration, for a flat original P such as a single paper original, for example, a more stable reading operation can be performed using the entire bottom surface of the fixed main body 4 and the reading unit 5. Usability as the scanner 10A is further improved.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a so-called vertical handy scanner 10B in which a scanner head 51 is incorporated in a side end face of the reading section 5. The scanner head 51 is incorporated in a side end surface of the reading unit 5 opposite to the hinge unit 6. The protrusion of the hinge arm 61 that holds the hinge 6 is formed so that the reading unit 5 can be turned upside down to a position where the scanner head 51 faces the main unit 4. In the vertical handy scanner 10B, a roller 52 and an auxiliary roller 43 for smoothly moving the scanner head 51 are provided on the side end surface of the reading unit 5 like the scanner head 51.
Other basic configurations are almost the same as those of the above-mentioned horizontal handy scanner 10A.

Since the vertical handy scanner 10B can be used in the same manner as the conventional vertical handy scanner 1B, it is sufficient that the surface of the document P has a flat portion on which the reading unit 5 can move. Can be used without much influence on the condition. Further, since the reading unit 5 swings in a swinging state and easily comes into close contact with the document P, it is easy for the user unfamiliar with the operation to make the reading unit 5 follow the inclination of the document P or the like. When not in use, the reading unit 5 is inverted from the state shown in FIG. 4 so that the scanner head 51 faces the main body unit 4 side.
1 can be protected. As a result, it is possible to store and carry in a compact state without using a special cover member or the like.

FIG. 5 shows a modification of the vertical handy scanner 10B shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the cleaning cloth 47 attached to the side end of the main body 4 contacts the reading surface of the scanner head 51 when the reading section 5 is rotated to turn the scanner head 51 toward the main body 4. It has become.
As a result, the reading surface of the scanner head 51 is cleaned when not in use, without the user being particularly conscious or troublesome. The cleaning cloth 47 can be formed using a fibrous material such as a nonwoven fabric or felt.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show an embodiment in which a document guide 7 for reading a small-sized document p is attached to the reading section 5 of the vertical handy scanner 10B shown in FIG.

The original guide 7 is a substantially U-shaped member having a flat guide portion 71 and a pair of arms 72, 72 at both ends thereof.
1 and is held so that it can come and go. At the time of use, the arm 72 is pulled out, and a gap S of about 1 to 2 mm is formed between the reading surface of the scanner head 51 and the guide 71. Then, by inserting and moving the document p having a width smaller than the reading width of the scanner head 51, such as a business card or a photograph, into the gap S, the document p can be easily and reliably read. On the other hand, when reading a general large-size original P, the original guide 7
Push the arms 72, 72 into the reading unit 5, and
1 are stored so as to be aligned with the reading surface of the scanner head 51. At the center of the guide section 71, a window 73 is formed which is equal to or slightly larger than the reading surface of the scanner head 51.
Is exposed.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an embodiment employing a configuration different from that of the original guide 7 in order to read an original p of a small size. 5, the document p is inserted and read.

The configuration shown in FIG. 9 is a horizontal handy scanner 10A in which a scanner head 51 is provided on the bottom of the reading section 5.
, A hinge portion 6 is formed so that the reading surface of the scanner head 51 can be turned to a position facing the main body portion 4 side. In this state, a document is placed between the reading surface of the scanner head 51 and the main body portion 4. Insert p.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, in the vertical handy scanner 10B having the scanner head 51 provided on the side end surface of the reading unit 5, the scanner head 51 is rotated to the position where the reading surface faces the main unit 4. The hinge portion 6 is formed so as to be able to operate, and in this state, the document p is inserted between the reading surface of the scanner head 51 and the main body portion 4.

With such a configuration, a small original p such as a business card or a photograph can be easily read without using the original guide 7 as described above.

In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the angle detection sensor 65 of the reading section 5 is attached near the hinge section 6 and the scanner head 51 is directed toward the main body section 4, the scanner head Reading direction of 51 (direction in which originals P and p are moved with respect to scanner head 51)
However, a configuration may be adopted in which switching can be performed in a direction opposite to the normal reading direction. Thereby, the reading state of the originals P and p can be unified between the case where the normal large original P is read and the case where the small width original p is read.

The handy scanner 10 shown in FIG.
In the basic configuration of (10A or 10B), it is possible to configure so that the user can arbitrarily turn off the display of the display unit 41 provided in the main body unit 4 when reading a document. Thereby, power consumption during use can be saved, and the life of the built-in battery 46 can be extended.

[0040]

As described above, according to the handy scanner of the present invention, the main unit and the reading unit are formed separately, and the reading unit is hinged to the side end of the main unit. The part can be swung in a swinging state with respect to the main body part. Therefore, when the user holds the main body in his hand and presses the reading unit against the surface of the document P, the reading unit can easily follow steps or inclinations of the surface of the document P, and reading accuracy is improved. Further, since the posture and angle of the reading unit are less affected by the holding state of the main body unit, the reading operation is facilitated even for a user unfamiliar with the operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a basic configuration of a handy scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a so-called horizontal handy scanner among the handy scanners.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the horizontal handy scanner.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a so-called vertical handy scanner of the handy scanner shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a modification of the vertical handy scanner shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a document guide is attached to a reading unit of the vertical handy scanner, and is a partial front view in a state where the document guide is used.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the document guide in a used state.

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the document guide in a non-use state.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which a small-width document can be read between a main body and a reading unit in the horizontal handy scanner.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment configured so that a small-width document can be read between a main body and a reading unit in the vertical handy scanner.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing a basic configuration of a conventional general handy scanner.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a so-called horizontal handy scanner among conventional handy scanners.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a so-called vertical handy scanner among conventional handy scanners.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional handy scanner disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-46167.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Handy scanner 10A Horizontal handy scanner 10B Vertical handy scanner 4 Main body part 41 Display part 47 Cleaning cloth 5 Reading part 51 Scanner head 6 Hinge part 62 Rotating shaft 63 Energizing means 7 Document guide

Claims (11)

[Claims] An image processing apparatus includes a main body and a reading unit formed separately from each other, and a scanner head for optically reading a document image is incorporated in the reading unit.
A handy scanner, which is swingably connected to a side end of the main body via a hinge having a rotation axis substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the main body. 2. The handy scanner according to claim 1, wherein the scanner head is incorporated in a bottom surface of the reading unit. 3. The handy scanner according to claim 2, wherein the reading section is urged toward the bottom surface of the reading section by an urging means provided on the hinge section. 4. The handy scanner according to claim 2, wherein the main unit and the reading unit are formed so as to be temporarily fixed in a state where their bottom surfaces are on the same plane. 5. The handy scanner according to claim 1, wherein the scanner head is incorporated in a side end surface of a reading unit located on a side opposite to the hinge unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reading unit is held so as to be able to be turned upside down to a position where the scanner head is directed toward the main body unit, and is temporarily fixed in the inverted state. The handy scanner described. 7. The handy scanner according to claim 6, wherein a cleaning cloth for the scanner head is attached to a side end of the main body so as to be in contact with the scanner head facing the main body. 8. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a document guide capable of guiding a document having a width smaller than a reading width of the scanner head along a reading surface of the scanner head is attached to the reading unit. The handy scanner described. 9. A reading unit is formed so as to be rotatably held to a position where the scanner head is directed to the main unit, and to be temporarily fixed at a position where the scanner head is directed to the main unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a fixed state, a document having a width smaller than a reading width of the scanner head can be inserted into a gap formed between the scanner head and the main body to read the document. Handy scanner described in. 10. The document reading direction can be switched between directions when the scanner head is oriented toward the main body and when the scanner head is oriented in a direction other than the main body. The handy scanner described. 11. A display unit for displaying an operation content, a reading result, and the like is provided on the main body unit, and the display unit is formed so that the display can be erased when reading a document. The handy scanner according to claim 1.