JP2003234878A - Image reader and image reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain accurate and quick image reading operation by increasing sub-scanning speed determined in accordance with a main scanning period at the time of shortening the main scanning period and consequently shortening the reading time of a subject. <P>SOLUTION: When size A3 is selected as a reading area, the main scanning period requires a period for outputting all 5000 pixels, an H#Enable* signal is activated so as to validate all the 5000 pixels from the 1st pixel up to the 5000th pixel, and when size A5 is selected, the main scanning period is shortened only by a period for outputting pixels from the 2501th pixel up to the 5000th pixel. Thereby the main scanning period: H (A5) for reading out A5 width can be shortened to an approximately a half of the main scanning period: H (A3) for reading out A3 width. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention reads image information obtained by illuminating a subject with light from a light source using an image reading means, performs photoelectric conversion and image processing, and then sends the image information to another device. The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image reading method for outputting image information, and particularly to an image reading device and an image reading method capable of designating and selecting an image reading area size.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional image reading apparatus and a device connected to the image reading apparatus for use. In the figure, 200 is an image reading device, 201 is an external control unit of the image reading device 200 and a host controller which performs a function of receiving image data, and 202 is image information read by the image reading device 200 on another recording medium. It is an output device for outputting.

In the image reading apparatus 200, reference numeral 204 is a sheet feeding section and 205 is a sheet discharging section. The subject 206 stacked on the paper feeding unit 204 is transported to the inside of the image reading device 200 by the action of a subject transport mechanism (not shown in the figure) inside the image reading device 200. The transported subject 206
The image information is read by an image reading unit (not shown in the figure) provided inside the image reading apparatus 200, and then the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge unit 205.

A fixed paper feed regulation plate 207 is provided on the paper feed unit 204.
A movable paper feed regulation plate 208 is provided. Subject 20
By moving the movable paper feed regulating plate 208 in accordance with the size of 6, the subject 206 is aligned and the subject 20
6 acts so as to be conveyed along the fixed paper feed regulation plate 207. Further, the movable paper feed regulation plate 208 is provided with a paper feed regulation plate position detection means (not shown in the figure) for detecting the position of the movable paper feed regulation plate 208. The size of the subject in the main scanning direction (the “main scanning direction” will be described later) can be detected by the action of the movable sheet feed regulation plate position detecting means. The discharged subject is stacked on the discharge unit 205.

The image reading device 200, the host controller 201, and the output device 202 are connected by an interdevice cable 210. Image reading conditions (reading area size, etc.) and image reading operation (start / stop) instructions are sent from the host controller 201 to the image reading device 200, and the image reading device 200 executes the image reading operation according to the reading conditions. . The read image information is stored in the host controller 201 or the output device 202.
To the image display section 21 of the host controller 201.
1 is displayed, is stored as a file, or is sent to the output device 202, it is recorded on a recording medium such as paper and output.

On the other hand, the image reading apparatus 200 has an operation unit 21.
2 is provided, and the operation unit 212 can also set image reading conditions (such as a reading area size) and can instruct image reading operations (start / stop). Also,
The image reading area size of the image reading conditions of the image reading apparatus 200 can be determined by detecting the size of the subject using the above-mentioned sheet feed regulation plate position detecting means.

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of the subject transport mechanism and the image reading unit of the image reading apparatus 200. In the figure, 220 is a power source for driving to operate the subject transport mechanism, and generally a motor such as a stepping motor is used. 221 is a power source 2
A roller mechanically connected to the roller 20. Although each roller 221 is connected to the power source 220 by a mechanical mechanism such as a gear, a belt and a clutch, it is omitted here.

An image reading unit 222 includes a light source 223 for illuminating an object 206 and an image reading sensor 224 for reading an image of the object inside. Generally, in the case of the configuration shown in the figure, a well-known line sensor in which a plurality of photoelectric elements are arranged in a line is used as the image reading sensor 224.

When the power source 220 rotates, the roller 2
21 rotates and conveys the subject 206 in the direction of the arrow.
The transported object 206 is the image reading unit 22.
It passes through the second image reading surface (the lower surface in this figure). At this time, the subject 206 is illuminated by the light source 223. Subject 20
Part of the light flux from the light source 223 that irradiates 6
It is reflected by the surface of 06 and enters the image reading sensor 224. Since the reflected light at this time includes the image information of the subject 206 as the light intensity, the amount of light incident on each photoelectric element of the image reading sensor 224 changes depending on the density of the corresponding portion of the subject. By sequentially reading the charges photoelectrically converted by each photoelectric element, the image information in the arrangement direction of the photoelectric elements can be read as an electrical analog image signal.

Therefore, by repeating the image reading operation of the image reading sensor 224 and operating the power source 220, the positional relationship between the subject and the image reading unit 222 is substantially the same as the arrangement direction of the photoelectric elements of the image reading sensor 224. By changing the direction to the right angle, the image information on the entire surface of the subject 206 can be read as an analog image signal.

The image reading sensor 224 itself operates to read the image of the subject, that is, the arrangement direction of the image elements is the "main scanning direction", and the power source 220 is driven to drive the image reading unit 222 and the subject 206. The direction in which the positional relationship with and changes is referred to as the “sub-scanning direction”. The subject 206 that has passed the lower surface of the image reading unit 222 is sent to the paper output unit 205 by the action of the transport mechanism.

<Prior Art Example 1> FIG. 17 shows an image reading apparatus 200.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric circuit of a part relating to an image reading operation. The same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the figure, 224 is an image reading sensor, 41 is an amplifier, 42 is an analog signal processing means, 43 is an A / D converter, 44 is a timing signal generating means, 45 is a digital signal processing means, and 46 is an image signal temporary storage means. And is generally RAM. Reference numeral 47 is a control means, which is generally a CPU. 48 is control means 4
It is a temporary storage means for 7, and is generally a RAM.
Reference numeral 49 is a storage means for holding the operation procedure of the control means 47, which is generally a ROM. Reference numeral 50 is an external device connecting means, 51 is a light source lighting means, and is generally a lamp regulator. 52 is a power source driving means, which is generally a motor driver. Reference numeral 53 is a movable sheet feed regulation plate position detection means. Generally, a variable resistor or the like is used. 54 is a bus.

The control means 47 is connected to each part through a bus 54 or a signal line, and controls the setting and control of the image reading apparatus 200 as a whole. The operation procedure is held in the storage means 49, and the control means 47 is stored in the storage means 49 for each operation.
The operation procedure is read from and the operation is performed according to the contents.
In the operation of the control means 47, when it is necessary to temporarily hold the information, the information is written in the temporary storage means 48, and the information is read out as necessary.

An external device (host controller or the like) is connected to the control means 47 via the operation section 212 and the external device connection means 50. The user of the image reading apparatus 200 uses the operation unit 212 or the host controller 20.
By operating 1, the instruction can be given to the control means 47.

The timing signal generation means 44 outputs a timing signal according to the set value by the control means 47.
When the start signal (START) and the clock signal (CLK) are sent to the image reading sensor 224, the image reading sensor 224 sequentially outputs the result of photoelectric conversion as an image signal. As a result, the image information of the subject is read in the main scanning direction. The amplifier 41 amplifies the image signal output from the image reading sensor 224. The analog signal processing means 42 is
The image signal amplified by the amplifier 41 is subjected to analog processing such as black level clamping.

The A / D converter 43 converts the output of the analog signal processing means 42 into a digital image signal. The digital image signal output from the A / D converter 43 is sent to the digital processing means 45 and subjected to various types of digital image processing (shading correction, edge enhancement, binarization, etc.). The digital image signal subjected to the digital image processing by the digital image processing means 45 is held in the image signal temporary storage means 46. The digital image signal held in the image signal temporary storage means 46 is output to the external device through the external device connection means 50 in response to a request from the external device connected to the external device connection means 50.

The light source lighting means 51 lights the light source 223 according to an instruction from the control means 47 and a lighting control signal (Light # ON) from the timing signal generation means 44. The power source drive means 52 drives the power source 220 according to the instruction from the control means 47. By driving the power source 220 as described above, the scanning operation in the sub-scanning direction is performed.

By the series of operations described above, the image information of the subject is read and output as a digital image signal to an external device.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a structural example of a portion for generating a synchronization / timing signal in the main scanning direction in the internal structure of the timing signal generating means 44 of <Conventional example 1>.

Reference numeral 55 is a chip selector means for discriminating the setting destination of the instruction information of the control means 17 sent via the bus 54 and outputting a chip select signal for the corresponding portion. Reference numeral 56 is a synchronization in the main scanning direction. It is a main scanning counter means for counting the signal “CLK”.

Reference numeral 57 is a main scanning direction synchronization signal generating means for outputting a synchronization signal "H # Sync" in the main scanning direction, which is a value preset by the control means 17 via the bus 54 and the main scanning counter means 56. Compare the output values, and if the values match, H #
Output Sync signal. Since the H # Sync signal is configured to reset the main scanning counter means 56, the value set in the main scanning direction synchronization signal generating means 57 determines the main scanning cycle. In this embodiment, the “H # Sync” signal is used as the “START” signal of the image reading sensor 224.

Reference numeral 58 is a main-scanning image effective signal generating means for generating an "H # Enable *" signal indicating a portion to be effective in the image signal transmitted in synchronization with H # Sync. The main-scanning image valid signal generation means compares the value preset by the control means 17 with the value of the main-scanning counter means 56, and activates the H # Enable * signal for a predetermined period of the main-scanning cycle.

Reference numeral 59 is a main scanning image effective signal generating means 58.
Similarly to the above, the light source lighting permission signal generating means activates the "Light # ON" signal for a predetermined period of the main scanning cycle. It is also possible to make the Light # ON signal always active by setting the light source lighting permission signal generating means 59 to a value larger than the value set in the main scanning direction synchronization signal generating means 57.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship of the reading areas in this conventional example. For the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the maximum reading area of the image reading apparatus 200 is A3 size, and A3, B4, A4, and B are set depending on the instruction from the host controller 201 or the operation unit 212 or the position of the movable sheet feed regulation plate 208.
5, and A5 can be selected. In the case of the conventional example, since the subject 206 is conveyed by being abutted against the fixed sheet feed regulation plate 207, the main scanning direction relationship between the reading areas of each standard size is different with respect to the upper side of FIG. . This way of taking the reference position is called “edge reference”.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing the operation of the conventional image reading sensor. For explanation,
The image reading sensor 224 is composed of 5000 photoelectric elements and is configured to read an A3 size reading area.

Cycle of H # Sync signal (in this conventional example, START
The electric charge accumulated in each photoelectric element of the image reading sensor 224 for each main scanning period (which is also the signal period) is START.
The signals are sequentially output from the first pixel in synchronization with the CLK signal according to the signal.

The analog image signal output from the image reading sensor 224 is amplified and analog-processed, and then converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 43. All of these signals are synchronized with the H # Sync signal and the CLK signal.

In an actual circuit, since processing is delayed in the A / D converter 43 and the like, each processing unit operates in consideration of the delay. Since it is not used, it is ignored and described (similar to other timing diagrams).

When A3 is selected as the reading area size, all image signals from the 1st pixel to the 5000th pixel are valid. Therefore, H # indicating the effective image signal
The Enable * signal is activated during the period from the 1st pixel to the 5000th pixel. On the other hand, when A5 is selected as the reading area size, 2500 pixels from the first pixel
Effective up to the pixel, 2501 to 5000
It is invalid up to the pixel. Therefore, the H # Enable * signal activates only during the period from the first pixel to the 2500th pixel.

The parts after the digital image processing means 45 are
Only the image signal during the period when the H # Enable * signal is active is cut out and used.

<Prior art example 2> In order to operate the image reading sensor at a high speed, when a "divided image reading sensor" is used in which the reading width for one main scanning line is divided into a plurality of blocks and parallel reading is used. There is.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a portion related to image reading of an image reading apparatus using a split type image reading sensor. In the figure, reference numeral 230 is a division type image reading sensor, which is divided into four blocks and provided with four-channel output terminals so that each block can output in parallel. The split-type image reading sensor 230 is provided with an amplifier, an analog processing means, and an A / D converter for each channel because four channels simultaneously output analog image signals.

Reference numeral 231 denotes an image signal temporary holding means for each channel of the output of the image reading sensor 224 converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter. As the image signal temporary holding means 231, a memory that can use input / output such as FIFO simultaneously and independently is generally used.

The image signal temporary holding means 231 operates according to the timing signal from the timing signal generating means 232 corresponding to the division type image reading sensor 230,
Digital image signals input in parallel with four channels are output as continuous image signals of one line.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a portion for generating a synchronization / timing signal in the main scanning direction in the internal structure of the timing signal generating means 232. In addition to the configuration of the timing signal generating means 44 used in <Conventional example 1>, a “FIFO for controlling the image signal temporary holding means 231 is used.
FIFO control means 23 for outputting a "# IN *""FIFO# OUT *" signal
3 has been added.

Since the FIFO control means 233 also operates based on the output of the main scanning counter means 56, it can be seen that it is synchronized with the H # Sync signal which is a synchronization signal in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the structure of the split type image reading sensor 224 used in this conventional example and the timing of image processing in the main scanning direction. The image reading sensor 224 used in this conventional example is capable of reading an A3 size image area by arranging 16 image sensor chips in which N photoelectric elements are linearly arranged per one chip. It is assumed that a configuration called "connecting sensor" is used.

Here, each output channel and chip No.
The relationship between ch. 1 = chip01, chip02, chip0
3, chip04 ch. 2 = chip05, chip06, chip0
7, chip08 ch. 3 = chip09, chip10, chip1
1, chip12 ch. 4 = chip13, chip14, chip1
Four consecutive chips, such as 5, chip16, are configured as one channel.

As shown in the figure, the image reading sensor 224
When the H # Sync signal that also serves as the START signal is input to, the analog image signals are output from each channel of the image reading sensor 224 in synchronization with the arrangement order of the sensor chips. As described above, by using the image signal temporary holding means 231, four channels of parallel digital image data are converted into one line of continuous image data.

[H # Enable for the selected reading area
The "*" signal is the same as in <Conventional example 1>, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

<Conventional Example 3> In the above-mentioned <Conventional Example 1> and <Conventional Example 2>, the "edge reference" image reading apparatus has been described. However, in the image reading apparatus, the center in the main scanning direction is used as a reference. There are also things to do. This way of obtaining the reference position is called "center reference".

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between standard-size image reading areas in a center-based image reading apparatus. The image reading areas of each standard size are formed so that the centers in the main scanning direction coincide with each other.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation timing in the main scanning direction of this conventional example. In this figure, <Conventional example 2
The case where the split-type image reading sensor described above is used. In the figure, up to the point where continuous main scan image data is formed, the description is omitted because it is the same as the <Conventional example 2>. When the selected image reading area is “A3” size, all the image outputs of the image reading sensor are effective in the main scanning direction, so chip0
The "H # Enable *" signal is activated for the entire area from 1 to chip16.

On the other hand, the selected image reading size is "A
5 ”, the effective image reading area in the main scanning direction is from chip 05 to c with reference to the center of the image reading area.
Only hip12. Therefore, set the "H # Enable *" signal to c
It is active only during the period from hip05 to chip12.

In the embodiment of the present invention described later, only the setting position of “H # Enable *” for the set reading area is changed, and the electrical hardware configuration is the configuration of <Conventional example 2> (FIG. 21). Since the reference) can be used, the description is omitted.

[0046]

The image reading device described in each of the above-mentioned conventional examples outputs the image signals corresponding to all photoelectric elements of the image reading sensor normally regardless of the selected reading area. The main scanning cycle is fixed so that
The period corresponding to the reading area of the digital image data is cut out by changing the period during which the "Enable *" signal is activated.

In such an operation, in a general CCD which has been used as an image reading sensor in the past, the charge remains unless all the charges accumulated by the photoelectric element during the accumulation period are output as an analog image signal. One reason is that normal image reading operation cannot be performed.

Since the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the main scanning period, the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction is constant and small even when reading a reading area smaller than the main scanning reading width of the image reading sensor. This hinders the high-speed image reading operation for a subject of a size.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by shortening the main scanning period, the sub-scanning speed determined in accordance with the main scanning period is increased, and as a result, the subject is read. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading device and an image reading method that shorten the time and enable an accurate and high-speed image reading operation.

[0050]

An image reading apparatus according to the present invention moves in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction to perform an operation of reading the subject, and the image reading unit described above. A reading unit for controlling the reading operation; and an effective range designating unit for designating an image reading range by the image reading unit, wherein the reading operation of the image reading unit in the main scanning direction can be interrupted. The driving unit changes the main scanning period according to the image reading range designated by the effective range designating unit, and changes the sub-scanning speed in accordance with the changed main scanning period.

The image reading device of the present invention is constituted by having photoelectric conversion elements arranged in one direction, and image reading means for performing a reading operation in the main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements, A drive unit that controls the reading operation of the image reading unit, a sub-scanning unit that scans the image reading unit in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and an effective designation of an image reading range by the image reading unit. A range designating unit, the reading operation of the image reading unit in the main scanning direction can be interrupted, and the driving unit responds to the image reading range designated by the effective range designating unit. While changing the main scanning period, the sub-scanning unit changes the sub-scanning speed in accordance with the changed main scanning period.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention is configured to have photoelectric conversion elements arranged two-dimensionally, and has a main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. An image reading unit that performs a reading operation in the scanning direction,
A driving unit that controls the reading operation of the image reading unit and an effective range designating unit that designates an image reading range of the image reading unit are provided, and the reading operation of the image reading unit in the main scanning direction is interrupted. The driving means changes the main scanning cycle according to the image reading range designated by the effective range designating means, and the image reading means corresponds to the changed main scanning cycle. To change the sub-scanning speed.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the driving means drives the image reading means by generating a timing signal, and changes the main scanning cycle by changing the set value of the timing signal. To do.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light quantity of the light source is adjusted within one cycle of the main scanning.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light quantity of the light source is adjusted within the period of one frame.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light source for illuminating the subject is provided, and the light amount of the light source is adjusted by changing the lighting time of the light source.

In one mode of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light source for illuminating the subject is provided, and the light amount of the light source is adjusted by changing the current amount of the light source.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the image reading unit is provided with an independent charge accumulation period so that the exposure amount of the image reading unit is kept constant even when the main scanning period is changed. Is possible.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the image reading unit is divided into a plurality of channels in the main scanning direction, outputs sequentially for each of the channels simultaneously, and an image assigned to each of the channels. The blocks of the reading sensor are arranged in a comb-teeth pattern in the main scanning direction.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the image reading means has a substantially center in the main scanning direction as a reference position in the main scanning direction, an output start position near the reference position, and the output. The operation in the main scanning direction is performed in opposite directions from the start position toward both ends.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the image reading unit is divided into a plurality of blocks in the main scanning direction, and each block constitutes a channel,
When the image reading range of each block is unequal length, the image reading range of the block closer to the reference position is narrower than the image reading range of the block far from the reference position of the image reading area. It is composed of.

The image reading method of the present invention is an image reading method of scanning the image reading means in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction to read and output a subject image. The means is configured to have photoelectric conversion elements arranged in one direction, performs a reading operation in the main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements, and the reading in the main scanning direction. The operation can be interrupted, and the main scanning cycle is changed according to the image reading range designated by the image reading means, and the sub-scanning speed is changed corresponding to the changed main scanning cycle.

The image reading method of the present invention is an image reading method of scanning the image reading means in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction to read and output a subject image. The means is configured to have photoelectric conversion elements arranged two-dimensionally, and performs a reading operation in a main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The reading operation in the main scanning direction can be interrupted, the main scanning cycle is changed according to the image reading range designated by the image reading unit, and the main scanning cycle is changed. Correspondingly, the sub-scanning speed is changed.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the main scanning period is changed by driving the image reading means by generating a timing signal and changing the set value of the timing signal.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the light amount of the light source is adjusted within one cycle of the main scanning.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the light amount of the light source is adjusted within the period of one frame.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the light amount of the light source is adjusted by changing the lighting time of the light source.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the light amount of the light source is adjusted by changing the current amount of the light source.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, by providing an independent charge accumulation period in the image reading means, the exposure amount of the image reading means is kept constant even when the main scanning cycle is changed. Is possible.

In an aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the main scanning direction is divided into a plurality of channels, the channels are simultaneously and sequentially output, and the block of the image reading sensor assigned to each of the channels is The image reading means is used, which is arranged in a comb-like shape repeatedly in the main scanning direction.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, a substantially center in the main scanning direction is set as a reference position in the main scanning direction, an output start position is provided in the vicinity of the reference position, and both end directions are provided from the output start position. The image reading means for performing operations in the main scanning direction in directions opposite to each other is used.

In one aspect of the image reading method of the present invention, the main scanning direction is divided into a plurality of blocks, each block constitutes a channel, and the image reading range of each block is unequal length. In this case, the image reading means is configured so that the image reading range of the block closer to the reference position is narrower than the image reading range of the block far from the reference position of the image reading area.

The storage medium of the present invention is a computer-readable medium in which a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the image reading apparatus is recorded.

The storage medium of the present invention is a computer-readable medium characterized by recording a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure of the image reading method.

The program of the present invention stores a computer
The image reading apparatus functions as each unit.

The program of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute each of the steps of the image reading method.

In the present invention, an image reading sensor (for example, "MOS type image reading sensor") capable of aborting the sequential reading operation of the image signal output is used to detect, for example, the position of the movable sheet feed regulation plate. By changing the main scanning cycle according to the reading area size selected by the means, the operation unit, or the host controller, and changing the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction in accordance with the set main scanning cycle, a small-sized object can be obtained. To increase the image reading speed.

[0078]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, the "MOS type image reading sensor" in the present case will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the structure of a MOS type image reading sensor. In the figure, 100 is a photoelectric conversion unit, 101 is a charge storage unit, 102 is an output unit, 103 is a common output line,
Reference numeral 104 is a scanning means, and 105 is an initialization means. The photoelectric conversion unit 100 outputs an output in proportion to the amount of incident light, and the charge corresponding to the output is stored in the charge storage unit 101. M
When the START signal is input to the OS-type image reading sensor, the output means 102 is charged according to the amount of charge accumulated in the charge accumulation means 101, and then the charge accumulation means 101 is initialized to a predetermined potential by the initialization means 105. Be converted. Also
The scanning unit 104 is also reset to the initial value by the START signal and operates in accordance with the CLK signal to switch the output unit 102 to be selected. The output means 102 selected by the scanning means 104 outputs to the common output line 103, and as a result, the output of the MOS type image reading sensor is obtained.

By performing such an operation, an electric signal output according to the amount of light incident on each photoelectric conversion means 101 during one cycle of the START signal is sequentially obtained, and transferred to an analog shift register like a CCD. It is also possible to interrupt the sequential output of the image signals because the selected output means 102 outputs the charges to the common output line 103 instead of sequentially shifting and outputting the generated charges.

The MOS type image reading sensor is described in documents such as "How to select and use image sensor (Nikkan Kogyo)".

In the present embodiment, an edge-based image reading apparatus will be described in which image information of a subject is read using a MOS type image reading sensor and the main scanning cycle is changed according to the set reading area.

The light source for illuminating the subject is <conventional example 1
As described above, it is assumed that the structure is capable of high-speed response to ON / OFF control, and the amount of light incident on the image reading sensor is adjusted by adjusting the lighting time within the main scanning cycle.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electric circuit portion relating to the image reading operation of the image reading apparatus, which best shows the features of the present embodiment. In the figure, 1 is a MOS type image reading sensor. The other parts are the same as those in FIG. 17, and the description thereof will be omitted.

When the reading area is determined by the information from the movable sheet feeding position detecting means 53, the input from the operating section 212, or the instruction from the external host controller, the control means 47 corresponds to the reading area from the storage means 49. The data regarding the set value of the “H # Sync” signal cycle, the set value of the “H # Enabale *” signal, and the rotational speed set value of the power source 220 is read.

The control means 47 sets the read data in the main scanning direction synchronizing signal generating means 57 and the image effective main scanning signal generating means 58 (see FIG. 18) in the timing signal generating means 44.

When an image reading operation start instruction is sent from the scanning section 212 or the external host controller 201,
The control means 47 drives the power source 31 using the rotation speed setting value data.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation timing in the main scanning direction of this embodiment. For the sake of explanation, the MOS-type image reading sensor 1 targeted by the drawing is configured to read the main scanning A3 width with 5000 pixels. In the figure, 1)
Shows the case where the A3 size is selected as the reading area, and 2) shows the case where the A5 size is selected.

In the case of 1), since it is necessary to read all 5000 pixels as the output of the MOS type image reading sensor 1, the operation in this case outputs all 5000 pixels in the main scanning period as in <Conventional example 1>. Is required, and the H # Enable * signal is activated so that the first pixel to the 5,000th pixel are valid.

On the other hand, in the case of 2), 250 from the first pixel
Since only the 0th pixel is output, the main scanning cycle can be shortened by the period for outputting the 2501st pixel to the 5000th pixel. In this case, 2 from the first pixel
The H # Enable * signal is activated so that the 500th pixel is valid.

Therefore, the main scanning cycle: H (A5) during A5 width reading can be approximately halved with respect to the main scanning cycle: H (A3) during A3 width reading (dark output). Due to the period etc., it will not be exactly 1/2.)

Since the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the main scanning cycle, the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction can be increased by the reduction in the main scanning cycle, and the sub-scanning speed during A3 width reading: V (A3 ), The sub-scanning speed at the time of reading the A5 width: V (A5) is set to approximately double.

As a result, by using the configuration of the present embodiment, when the width of the image reading area in the main scanning direction is designated as A5 size, the reading time is about 1/2 of that of the configuration of <Conventional example 1>. Can be shortened to.

By the way, in this embodiment, the exposure amount is determined by providing the lighting period and the extinguishing period of the light source within the main scanning period and adjusting the lighting period. The accumulation time of the MOS type image reading sensor is the main scanning cycle, but when the lighting period is shorter than the main scanning cycle, the accumulated charge amount of the MOS type image reading sensor is defined by the lighting time. Therefore, under the condition that the main scanning period is longer than the lighting period, even if the main scanning period changes, the accumulated charge amount is not affected.

However, in a region where the main scanning period is shorter than the lighting period (the light source is continuously lit), the amount of accumulated charges is affected by the main scanning period, so the main scanning period does not become shorter than the lighting period. Restrictions are set in the above, and only the effective image signal portion corresponding to the reading area is cut out with the "H # Enable *" signal. The light amount of the light source is adjusted according to the main scanning period, or the amplification factor of the analog image signal is adjusted by the analog image signal processing means or the like. It is necessary to control such as.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the main scanning cycle on a pixel-by-pixel basis according to the designated reading area. However, in this case, the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction has to be changed by the number of pixels of the sensor, which is not realistic. As a practical method, for example, a combination of the main scanning period and the sub-scanning speed corresponding to the standard size is prepared, and in other cases, the main combination among the combinations including the selected image area is prepared. Select the combination that gives the shortest scanning cycle, match the "H # Enable *" signal settings, and
It is effective to cut out only the necessary parts.

(Second Embodiment) In the present embodiment, a method effective in the case where the image reading apparatus has a structure in which the light source is continuously turned on for use will be described. The method of adjusting the light source light quantity of the image reading apparatus is, in addition to the method of changing the lighting time in one line of main scanning described in <Embodiment 1>, etc., the light source is continuously turned on, and the light emission quantity of the light source or an analog image There is also a method of adjusting the amplification factor for the signal. The latter method is often used when a light source having a slow response characteristic (for example, a halogen lamp) is used for the reading operation of the image reading sensor.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation timing in the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus using this embodiment. What is characteristic in the figure is that the "START" signal is sent twice to the MOS type image reading sensor 1 during one main scanning period determined by the main scanning synchronization signal "H # Sync". As a result, the "image signal output period (= invalid accumulation period)" and the "accumulation time (= invalid image signal output period)" can be independently provided in one main scanning cycle. The analog image signal output from the MOS image reading sensor 1 during the image signal output period is determined by the amount of light incident within the accumulation time. Therefore, by keeping the accumulation time constant, the exposure amount of the MOS image reading sensor 1 becomes equal. Become.

That is, as shown in the figure, the reading area is A3.
In contrast, when A5, the image signal output period is approximately 1
The main scanning cycle can be shortened by setting / 2, but the exposure amount of the MOS type image reading sensor 1 is not affected by the shortening of the main scanning cycle by making the independent accumulation times equal.

As described above, the "image signal output period"
The operation method of the image reading sensor in which the "storage period" and the "storage period" are independently set and can be adjusted is generally called "electronic shutter operation".

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit portion relating to the image reading operation of the image reading apparatus using this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 2 is a timing signal generating means corresponding to the electronic shutter operation. The other components are the same as those in the configuration of <Embodiment 1>, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion for generating a synchronization / timing signal in the main scanning direction in the internal configuration of the timing signal generating means 2 corresponding to the electronic shutter operation. With respect to the configuration of the timing signal generating means 44 used in the <Embodiment 1>, the “ST
In order to enable the output of the "ART" signal, the second START signal generating means 3 and the logic circuit (OR gate) 4 for taking the sum of the output of the main scanning synchronization signal generating means and the output of the second START signal generating means 3 and outputting the result. Have been added. The second START signal generating means 3 is configured to output the second START signal at a desired timing within the main scanning cycle by comparing the setting value set by the control means with the output of the main scanning counter means. .

In the image reading apparatus using the present embodiment, when the reading area is determined by the information from the movable sheet feeding position detecting means 53, the input from the operating section 212, or the instruction from the external host controller, the control means 47 determines. From the storage means 49, the set value of the “H # Sync” signal cycle corresponding to the reading area, the set value of the “H # Enabale *” signal, and the “second START”.
The data regarding the signal setting value and the rotation speed setting value of the power source 220 is read.

The control means 47 is the timing signal generating means 4
The read data is set to the main scanning direction synchronization signal generating means 57, the image effective main scanning signal generating means 58 and the second START signal generating means 3 in the No. 4 circuit. When an image reading operation start instruction is sent from the operation unit 212 or the external host controller 201, the control unit 47 drives the power source 220 using the rotation speed setting value data.

In this embodiment, the main scanning cycle can be adjusted in units of one pixel according to the designated reading area. However, in this case, the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction has to be changed by the number of pixels of the sensor, which is not realistic. As a practical method, for example, a combination of the main scanning period and the sub-scanning speed corresponding to the standard size is prepared, and in other cases, the main combination among the combinations including the selected image area is prepared. It is effective to select a combination that has the shortest scanning cycle, combine the settings of the “H # Enable *” signal and the “second START” signal, and cut out only the necessary portion.

In this embodiment, as the method of adjusting the exposure amount of the image reading sensor, in addition to the method of adjusting the brightness of the light source and the method of adjusting the amplification factor of the analog image signal, the accumulation time of the image reading sensor is adjusted. The method of doing is also possible. In this case, the main scanning period can be kept constant by providing a blanking period between the image signal output period and the accumulation period and absorbing a change in the accumulation time by adjusting the blanking period.

(Third Embodiment) In the present embodiment, even when the target image reading apparatus uses a split type image reading sensor, the main scanning cycle is adjusted according to the set reading area size. By doing so, a method of enabling high-speed reading of a subject will be described.

The split image reading sensor composed of a plurality of sensor chips described in <Prior art example 2> simultaneously outputs analog image signals from a plurality of channels. (Fig. 2
(See 3)

Even if this split type image reading sensor is simply "MOS type" and the output of the image signal can be interrupted, the analog image signal obtained when the main scanning period is reduced to about 1/2 is ch. 1 = chip01, chip02 ch. 2 = chip05, chip06 ch. 3 = chip09, chip10 ch. 4 = chip13, chip14, which means that continuous image data cannot be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the main scanning cycle can be shortened by changing the sensor chip in charge of each channel from that of <Conventional example 2>.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the wiring relationship between the sensor chips of the split MOS type image reading sensor composed of a plurality of sensor chips used in this embodiment. By inputting START signal and CLK signal to the sensor shown in the figure,
The output of each sensor chip is obtained from each output channel in the following permutation relationship. ch. 1 = chip01, chip05, chip0
9, chip13 ch. 2 = chip02, chip06, chip1
0, chip14 ch. 3 = chip03, chip07, chip1
1, chip15 ch. 4 = chip04, chip08, chip1
2, chip16 Here, the above wiring structure will be referred to as a "comb-shaped wiring structure".

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit portion relating to the image reading operation of the image reading apparatus using this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes a split MOS type image reading sensor using a comb-tooth type wiring structure. Reference numeral 6 is a timing signal generation means in which the output pattern of the FIFO control means is changed according to the output form of the image reading sensor 5. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 21, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

8 and 9 are views showing the operation timing in the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus using this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is the maximum reading width of the image reading sensor A3.
When reading the width, FIG. 9 is a case where the A5 width is read. 8, the cycle of H # Sync signal (main scanning cycle)
Is set to a cycle in which all the pixels of the image reading sensor 5 can output. On the other hand, in FIG. 9, the portion corresponding to the A5 width is c
Since it is from hip01 to chip08, the main scanning period is set to about 1/2 of that in the case of FIG. Even in this case c
It is understood that all the outputs from hip01 to 08 are obtained, and continuous image data can be created.

In the case of the present embodiment, since four channels are simultaneously output, the main scanning period to be set is when the selected image reading / reading area is included in the range of chip01 to chip16. When included in the range of chip01 to chip12. When included in the range of chip01 to chip08. When included in the range of chip01 to chip04. In fact, it is selected from four stages corresponding to, and by combining this with the H # Enable * signal, only the image signal of the portion corresponding to the selected image reading area can be validated.

As described above, by making the structure of the split MOS type image reading sensor "comb-shaped", it becomes possible to shorten the main scanning period in accordance with the selected image reading area, and the reading operation is performed. Can speed up.

In the present embodiment, as in <Embodiment 1>, the light source is turned on / off during the main scanning cycle and the accumulated light amount is adjusted by adjusting the lighting period. In the same manner as in Mode 2>, the timing signal generating means 6 is configured to correspond to the electronic shutter operation, and the image reading sensor 5 is operated by the electronic shutter, so that the change in the main scanning cycle is accumulated even when a light source that is continuously turned on is used. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that does not affect the charge amount.

In the present embodiment, the sensor chip composed of N photoelectric conversion elements has a total of 16 channels in 4 channels.
The case where the entire image reading sensor is configured by arranging the individual pieces has been described. However, even when N = 1, that is, even when the image reading sensor in which the photoelectric conversion element units are arranged in a comb tooth shape is used, selection can be performed. The main scanning cycle can be shortened according to the read image reading area, and the reading operation can be speeded up.

(Fourth Embodiment) As described in <Conventional Example 3>, some image reading apparatuses include a type having an image reading area of "center reference". In the present embodiment, a center-based image reading device that changes the main scanning cycle according to the selected reading area and is suitable for increasing the reading speed when reading a small area is introduced.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the image reading sensor used in the present embodiment and the timing in the main scanning direction of the image reading operation using the image reading sensor. A characteristic point of the structure of the image reading sensor shown in the figure is that the reading reference position of the image reading sensor is located at the center of the image reading sensor, and a START signal and a CLK signal are supplied to the image reading sensor. Then, the image signal is read out from the reference position toward both ends. Such an image reading sensor will be called a "center reading type".

The image reading sensor shown in the figure is composed of N photoelectric elements on one side, and 2N photoelectric elements are used for the entire image reading sensor to read an area of A3 width.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit portion relating to the image reading operation of the image reading apparatus using this embodiment. In the figure, 7 is a center read type MOS image reading sensor. The image signal temporary holding means 8 is a LIFO that performs a last-in first-out operation unlike the image signal temporary holding means 231.

As can be seen from the configuration of the image sensor 7 shown in FIG. 10, the center reading type image reading sensor is R #.
Since the reading directions of ch and L # ch are opposite, it is necessary to invert one of them according to the originally required reading direction. In the figure, since L # ch is reading in the reverse direction, it must be inverted. Therefore, in FIG.
The image signal output from R # ch is converted into a digital image signal and then written in the FIFO type image temporary holding means 231, so that the order of the image signals is read even after being read from the image temporary holding means 231. Does not change.

On the other hand, since the image temporary holding means 8 into which the L # ch digital image signal is written is of the LIFO type, the order is changed at the stage of being read from the image temporary holding means 8.

As a result, the arrangement order of the digital image data of R # ch and L # ch matches the originally required direction.
By controlling the output timing of the temporary image holding unit 231 and the output timing of the L # ch image temporary holding unit 8, the continuous digital image data shown in FIG. 10 can be obtained.

FIG. 10 shows operation timings in the main scanning direction when the center reading type image reading sensor 7 is used to read the A3 width which is the maximum reading width of the image reading sensor 7. In this case, R # ch. And L # ch.
The period during which an effective image signal of N pixels can be output is the minimum main scanning period.

On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing operation timings in the main scanning direction when the reading sensor 7 is used to perform a reading operation on a reading area of A5 width. When the reading area has an A5 width, R # ch. And L # ch. May be read from the first pixel to the N / 2th pixel which are the reference in the main scanning direction. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the period during which R # ch. And L # ch. Can output effective image signals up to the N / 2th pixel is the main scanning cycle, and is compared with the case of reading the A3 width shown in FIG. Then, the main scanning period can be set to about 1/2.

Therefore, as in the other embodiments, since the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction can be set to be approximately doubled, high speed reading becomes possible as compared with the case of reading the A3 width.

In this embodiment, as in <Embodiment 1>,
The configuration has been described in which the accumulated light amount is adjusted by turning on / off the light source in the main scanning cycle and adjusting the lighting period.
Similar to <Embodiment 2>, the timing signal generating means 6 is configured to be compatible with the electronic shutter operation, and the image reading sensor 5 is provided.
Even when a light source that is continuously turned on by operating the electronic shutter is used, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the change in the main scanning period does not affect the accumulated charge amount.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of R # ch. And L # ch. Has been described as a series of configurations like the image reading sensor 1 used in <Embodiment 1> and <Embodiment 2>. But R #
It goes without saying that each of ch. and L # ch. can also be configured to be divided into a plurality of blocks and perform parallel output, as in the image reading sensor used in the third embodiment.

<Embodiment 5> In the present embodiment, with the structure of the division type image reading sensor used in <Conventional example 2>, the maximum reading width is B4 size by changing only the number of sensor chips. The case where the sensor is configured will be described.

If an image reading sensor having a maximum reading width of B4 is constructed by using a sensor chip of a size that reads the A3 width with 16 sensor chips, the number of sensor chips used in the image reading sensor becomes 14. . Therefore, when divided into four channels, the number of sensor chips assigned to each channel is not equal. Here, it may be possible to shorten the main scanning period when the reading area size is smaller than the maximum reading width of the image reading sensor, simply by devising the number of sensor chips assigned to each channel.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of the image reading sensor used in this embodiment and the scanning timing in the main scanning direction. As shown in the figure, the image reading sensor used in this embodiment is ch. 1 = chip01 + chip02 + chip03 ch. 2 = chip04 + chip05 + chip06 ch. 3 = chip07 + chip08 + chip09
+ Chip10 ch. 4 = chip11 + chip12 + chip13
Like + chip14, the sensor in charge of the channel (ch.1, ch.2) that reads the portion near the portion (ch.3, ch.4) that reads the portion far from the main scanning reference position (first pixel). The number of chips is reduced. In this figure,
The timing when the main scanning period is set so that all the pixels of the image reading sensor output is shown. 1 and ch. 2 has a small number of sensor chips in charge as described above, and therefore ch. 3, ch. 4 are each chip10
And the chip 14 are being output, no signal is output.

The block diagram of the electric circuit of the portion related to the image signal of the image reading apparatus using the present image reading sensor is the same as FIG. 21 of <Prior art example 2>, but the image of the timing signal generating means is shown. By changing the timing of the control signal to the signal temporary holding means, only the effective image signal portion of each channel of the image reading sensor is taken into the image signal temporary holding means, and the image signal of each channel becomes a series of image signals. Output from chip01 to ch
It is possible to obtain continuous image signals up to ip14.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the operation timing in the main scanning direction when the B5 size is selected as the image reading area. The period until the output of three sensor chips is completed for each channel is the main scanning cycle. Therefore, the period is approximately 3/4 of the main scanning period shown in FIG.

The image signal output of each channel is ch. 1 = chip01 + chip02 + chip03 ch. 2 = chip04 + chip05 + chip06 ch. 3 = chip07 + chip08 + chip09 ch. 4 = chip11 + chip12 + chip13, and ch. 3 chips 10 and ch. 4 chips
14 is not output.

Since the sensor outputs of these four channels are combined in the order of the array numbers of the sensor chips, they are not continuous after chip09. However, as described in <Conventional example 2>, <Embodiment 3>, etc., the width of the B5 size reading area in the main scanning direction is from chip01 to chip08. It can be seen that no continuous image data can be obtained. Therefore,
Of the combined image data, from chip01 to chi
By outputting the H # Enable * signal so that the part of p08 becomes valid, the image of the B5 area can be read, and the main scanning cycle can be shortened to about 3/4, so the reading speed is set to about 4 / It is possible to speed up to 3.

As shown in the present embodiment, in the split type image reading sensor which outputs in parallel, when the reading areas of the divided channels have unequal lengths, the channels near the reference position in the main scanning direction are read. By shortening the reading area, the main scanning period can be shortened depending on the reading size, and as a result, the image reading speed for the small reading area can be improved.

In this embodiment, similarly to <Embodiment 1>, a light source capable of high-speed response is turned on / off within one main scanning cycle.
Although the method of turning off and adjusting the accumulated light amount of the image reading sensor has been described, as in <Embodiment 2>, by providing an independent accumulation period within one main scanning period and performing an electronic shutter operation, continuous operation is possible. It can also be used in the case of a light source that lights up.

Further, in the "center reading type" described in <Embodiment 4>, when the image reading area of each channel of the split type image reading sensor is unequal length, the image of the channel close to the main scanning reference position is displayed. By shortening the reading area, the effects described in this embodiment can be obtained.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the image reading area has a fixed size of A3, A5, and B4 has been used for description, but other fixed sizes (A6, B5,
(LETTER, etc.), but also for any image reading area desired by the user of the image reading apparatus as long as the image reading area is less than the maximum reading width of the image reading sensor. is there.

In each of the embodiments, the configuration of the image reading device that reads an image in black and white is described. However, an image reading device that reads a color image using an image reading sensor having different spectral sensitivity or a light source having a different emission wavelength is used. It can also be used in an image reading device that reads a color image by switching in units of main scanning lines.

Furthermore, in each of the embodiments, the image reading sensor is a line sensor, and scanning in the main scanning direction is performed by the operation of the image reading sensor, while the optical relative positional relationship between the image reading sensor and the subject is determined. Although the image reading apparatus configured to perform scanning in the sub-scanning direction by changing the action of the power source has been described, not only the scanning in the main scanning direction called an area sensor as an image reading sensor, but also the scanning in the sub-scanning direction is performed electrically. Even in an image reading device that reads image information of a subject by performing the above-described operation, the scanning speed in the sub-scanning direction can be increased by shortening the scanning cycle in the main scanning direction according to the designated image reading area size. It is possible to speed up the reading operation for the image reading area that is less than the maximum reading width in the main scanning direction of the area sensor.

Further, in each of the embodiments, each of the embodiments has been described by using the configuration of the image reading device in which the image reading sensor reads the reflected light from the object such as paper, but the object transmits the light. Even in the case of a film having good properties, the content of this patent can be used as it is by making the relationship between the light source and the image reading sensor such that the transmitted light illuminating the subject is read by the image reading sensor. Specifically, it can also be used for a digital microfilm reader scanner using a microfilm as a subject.

Furthermore, in each of the embodiments, the image reading means is arranged on one side of the subject to read the image information on one side of the subject, but each embodiment has been described. However, the image reading means is provided on both sides of the subject. By arranging them, even in an image reading device that can simultaneously read image information on both sides of the subject,
The content of this case can be used as it is.

The functions and the image reading method of the image reading apparatus according to the first to fifth embodiments described above can be realized by the operation of the program stored in the RAM or ROM of the computer. This program and a computer-readable storage medium recording the program are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Specifically, the program is, for example, a CD
-Recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM, or provided to a computer via various transmission media. As the recording medium for recording the program, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a non-volatile memory card, or the like can be used in addition to the CD-ROM. On the other hand, as a transmission medium of the above-mentioned program, a communication medium (a wired line such as an optical fiber or the like) in a computer network (LAN, WAN such as Internet, wireless communication network, etc.) system for propagating and supplying program information as a carrier wave Wireless line) can be used.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the supplied program by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software running the program on the computer. In the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with the above, or all or part of the processing of the supplied program is performed by the function expansion board or function expansion unit of the computer, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. However, such a program is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

For example, FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a general personal user terminal device. This Figure 2
In FIG. 7, 1200 is a computer PC. PC
The 1200 includes a CPU 1201 and is stored in a ROM 1202 or a hard disk (HD) 1211 or a flexible disk drive (FD) 1212.
The device control software supplied from the computer is executed to collectively control each device connected to the system bus 1204.

[0149]

According to the present invention, an image reading sensor whose output can be interrupted is used, and the main scanning period is changed according to the width of the set image reading area in the main scanning direction. For an image reading width smaller than the maximum reading width of the image reading sensor, by shortening the main scanning period, the sub-scanning speed determined in accordance with the main scanning period becomes faster, and as a result, the subject The reading time can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric circuit portion related to an image reading operation of an image reading apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating operation timing in a main scanning direction according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing operation timing in the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit portion related to an image reading operation of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion for creating a synchronization / timing signal in the main scanning direction in the internal configuration of the electronic shutter operation-compatible timing signal generating means 2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a wiring relationship between respective sensor chips of the split MOS type image reading sensor according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electric circuit portion related to an image reading operation of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram (A3 width) showing the operation timing in the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram (A5 width) showing the operation timing in the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram (A3) showing the structure of the image reading sensor used in the fourth embodiment and the timing of the image reading operation in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 11 is a diagram (A5) showing the structure of the image reading sensor used in the fourth embodiment and the timing of the image reading operation in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electric circuit portion related to an image reading operation of the image reading apparatus of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a structure of an image reading sensor used in the fifth embodiment and a timing of an image reading operation in a main scanning direction.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating operation timing in the main scanning direction when B5 size is selected as an image reading area in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image reading device and a device connected to the image reading device for use.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a subject transport mechanism and an image reading unit of the image reading apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electric circuit of a portion related to an image reading operation of the image reading apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion for generating a synchronization / timing signal in the main scanning direction in the internal configuration of the timing signal generating means.

FIG. 19 is a diagram (end reference) showing a relationship between reading areas in Conventional Example 1.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing the operation of the image reading sensor of Conventional Example 1.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a portion related to image reading of an image reading apparatus using a split-type image reading sensor.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion for generating a synchronization / timing signal in the main scanning direction in the internal configuration of the timing signal generating means.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the structure of a split-type image reading sensor used in Conventional Example 2 and the timing of image processing in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a relationship between standard-size image reading areas in a center-based image reading apparatus.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating operation timing in the main scanning direction of Conventional Example 3.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a structure of a MOS type image reading sensor.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of a general personal user terminal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: MOS type image reading sensor 2: Timing signal generating means corresponding to electronic shutter operation 3: Second START signal generating means 4: Logic gate (OR gate) 5: Divided MOS type image reading sensor 6 using comb-shaped wiring structure 6 : Timing signal generating means (corresponding to comb-teeth type split MOS type image reading sensor) 7: Center reading type MOS type image reading sensor 8: Image temporary holding means (LIFO type) 41: Amplifier 42: Analog signal processing means 43: A / D converter 44: Timing signal generating means 45: Digital signal processing means 46: Image signal temporary storage means 47: Control means 48: Temporary storage means 49: Storage means 50: External effect connection means 51: Light source lighting means 52: Power Source driving means 53: Movable paper feed regulation plate position detecting means 54: Bus 55: Chip selector means 56: Main scanning counter means 57: Main scanning direction synchronization signal generating means 58: Main scanning image valid 59: Light source lighting permission signal generating means 200: Image reading device 201: Host controller 202: Output device 204: Paper feeding unit 205: Paper discharging unit 206: Subject 207: Fixed Paper feed regulation plate 208: Movable paper feed regulation plate 210: Inter-device cable 211: Image display unit 212: Operation unit 220: Power source 221: Roller 222: Reading unit 223: Light source 224: Image reading sensor 230: Divided image reading Sensor 231: Image signal temporary holding means (FIFO type) 232: Timing signal generating means 233 for split type image reading sensor: FIFO control means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/19 H04N 1/04 103Z F term (reference) 5B047 AA01 BA01 BB01 BC01 BC14 CA04 CB09 CB12 5C051 AA01 BA02 DA03 DA06 DB01 DB07 DB28 DC02 DC03 DC05 DE05 DE30 5C072 AA01 BA03 CA02 CA14 EA06 EA08 FA07 FB21 FB23 FB27 NA05

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. An image reading unit that moves in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction to perform a reading operation of the subject; a driving unit that controls the reading operation of the image reading unit; An effective range designating unit for designating an image reading range by means, the reading operation of the image reading unit in the main scanning direction can be interrupted, and the driving unit is designated by the effective range designating unit. The main scanning cycle is changed according to the changed image reading range, and the sub-scanning speed is changed corresponding to the changed main scanning cycle. 2. An image reading unit configured to have photoelectric conversion elements arranged in one direction and performing a reading operation in a main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements; A driving unit for controlling the reading operation; a sub-scanning unit for scanning the image reading unit in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction; and an effective range designating unit for designating an image reading range of the image reading unit. The reading operation of the image reading unit in the main scanning direction can be interrupted, and the driving unit changes the main scanning cycle according to the image reading range designated by the effective range designating unit. At the same time, the sub-scanning unit changes the sub-scanning speed in accordance with the changed main scanning period. 3. A reading operation in a main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements and in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, the reading operation being constituted by having photoelectric conversion elements arranged two-dimensionally. An image reading unit for performing the reading operation, a driving unit for controlling the reading operation of the image reading unit, and an effective range designating unit for designating an image reading range by the image reading unit, in the main scanning direction of the image reading unit. The reading operation can be interrupted, the driving unit changes the main scanning cycle according to the image reading range specified by the effective range specifying unit, and the image reading unit changes the main scanning cycle. An image reading device characterized in that a sub-scanning speed is changed in accordance with a main scanning period. 4. The driving unit drives the image reading unit by generating a timing signal, and changes the main scanning cycle by changing a set value of the timing signal. The image reading device according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light amount of the light source is adjusted within one cycle of the main scanning. 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light amount of the light source is adjusted within the period of one frame. 7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a light source for illuminating a subject, and adjusting a light amount of the light source by changing a lighting time of the light source. 8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a light source for illuminating an object, wherein the light amount of the light source is adjusted by changing a current amount of the light source. 9. The image reading means is provided with an independent charge accumulation period, so that the exposure amount of the image reading means can be kept constant even when the main scanning cycle is changed. The image reading device according to claim 1. 10. The image reading means divides the main scanning direction into a plurality of channels, and sequentially outputs the respective channels simultaneously, and a block of an image reading sensor assigned to each channel has the main scanning direction. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is arranged in a comb-like shape. 11. The image reading means has a substantially center in the main scanning direction as a reference position in the main scanning direction, an output start position in the vicinity of the reference position, and both ends of the image reading means in both end directions. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus performs an operation in the main scanning direction in a reverse direction. 12. The image reading means divides the main scanning direction into a plurality of blocks, each block constitutes a channel, and when the image reading range of each block is unequal length, 2. The image reading range of the block closer to the reference position is narrower than the image reading range of the block far from the reference position of the image reading area.
The image reading device according to any one of 9 to 11. 13. An image reading method for scanning an image reading means in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction to read and output a subject image, wherein the image reading means is unidirectional. It is configured to have arranged photoelectric conversion elements, and performs a reading operation in the main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements, and the reading operation in the main scanning direction can be interrupted. The image reading method is characterized in that the main scanning period is changed according to the image reading range designated by the image reading unit, and the sub-scanning speed is changed corresponding to the changed main scanning period. . 14. An image reading method for scanning an image reading means in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction to read and output a subject image, wherein the image reading means has a two-dimensional shape. A main scanning direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The reading operation in the direction can be interrupted, the main scanning cycle is changed according to the image reading range designated by the image reading unit, and the sub-scanning speed corresponding to the changed main scanning cycle. An image reading method characterized by changing the. 15. The main scanning cycle is changed by driving the image reading unit by generating a timing signal and changing the set value of the timing signal. Image reading method. 16. The light amount of the light source is adjusted within one cycle of the main scanning.
The image reading method according to any one of 1. 17. The light amount of the light source is adjusted within a cycle of one frame.
The image reading method described in. 18. By changing the lighting time of the light source,
17. The light amount of the light source is adjusted.
Or the image reading method described in 17. 19. The image reading method according to claim 16, wherein the light amount of the light source is adjusted by changing the current amount of the light source. 20. By providing an independent charge accumulation period in the image reading means, the exposure amount of the image reading means can be kept constant even when the main scanning cycle is changed. The image reading method according to any one of claims 13 to 19. 21. The main scanning direction is divided into a plurality of channels, the blocks of the image reading sensor assigned to each of the channels are sequentially output simultaneously, and the blocks of the image reading sensor are comb-shaped in the main scanning direction. The image reading method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the image reading means arranged in (4) is used. 22. An approximate center in the main scanning direction is set as a reference position in the main scanning direction, an output start position is provided in the vicinity of the reference position, and the main scan is performed in opposite directions from the output start position toward both ends. The image reading method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the image reading means for performing a directional operation is used. 23. The main scanning direction is divided into a plurality of blocks, and each block constitutes a channel,
When the image reading range of each block is unequal length, the image reading range of the block closer to the reference position is narrower than the image reading range of the block far from the reference position of the image reading area. 14. The image reading means configured as described above is used.
23. The image reading method according to any one of 20 and 22. 24. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to function as each of the units of the image reading apparatus according to claim 1. 25. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure of the image reading method according to claim 13 is recorded. 26. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the units of the image reading apparatus according to claim 1. 27. A program for causing a computer to execute each of the steps of the image reading method according to any one of claims 13 to 23.