JP2004234303A - Image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input device capable of reading an object when the object is one of various objects including upright objects. <P>SOLUTION: This image input device 1 is provided with a head part 10, a supporting body 20 for guiding the head part 10, and a base 3 for fixing the supporting body 20. The head part 10 moves continuously imaging the object along a guide rail 22. The image continuously captured by the movement of the head part 10 is transmitted to an image capturing computer 2 by telephotography through an image transmission cable 6. The image capturing computer 2 applies the image transmitted to the image capturing computer 2 by telephotography to various image processing, and thereby the correction of the image is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input device capable of reading various subjects including a three-dimensional object.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When the subject is a three-dimensional object that stands upright, an image input device such as a digital camera is used. However, a general digital camera has a limit in improving the resolution of a two-dimensional image sensor (for example, about 4 to 5 million pixels in a general digital camera), and a line sensor in which many image sensors are linearly arranged. The higher resolution can be achieved more easily by the scanning method using.
[0003]
As a large-sized image input device using such a line sensor, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a large-sized planar scanning device for scanning and reading a large-sized map or drawing is known.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-21698
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It has been practiced to read a three-dimensional object such as a human at a high resolution using the above-mentioned conventional flat-panel scanning device and output it to a poster or the like. For example, in a scanning device “Azero Originator” manufactured by Dainippon Screen Co., Ltd. as described in Non-Patent Document 1, it is equivalent to about several hundred million pixels when converted into a general digital camera by scanning at a resolution of 360 dpi. Images can be read at the resolution. As a result, an image of higher quality than a conventional digital camera was obtained.
[Non-Patent Document 1] Asahi Shimbun Asahi Shimbun, page 13, October 18, 2002 [0006]
However, in the above-described flat-type scanning device, it is necessary to place the object to be scanned on the light-transmitting glass for scanning. Therefore, when scanning and reading a person, it is necessary to execute imaging in a state where the person is lying on the transparent glass. In particular, in the above-described scanning reading format, it takes more time to scan than shooting by a general digital camera, and it is difficult to shoot in an unreasonable posture.
[0007]
In addition, there has been a demand for using the above-described apparatus to image a three-dimensional object such as a work of art other than a person. However, when an image of a work of art itself is taken, the work of art may not be able to be placed on the transparent glass. For example, pottery articles such as large sculptures and pots may not be able to be placed on the translucent glass due to their shape, weight and installation method (when fixed and cannot be moved). Hereinafter, the three-dimensional objects, such as the art objects and the standing person, which are set up as described above, are collectively referred to as “standing object”.
[0008]
In addition, for example, as described in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3, there are desk scanners and the like that can be arranged vertically. However, these devices can simply place a scanner for imaging a planar object vertically in order to save space.
[0009]
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-53918
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-83756
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image input apparatus capable of reading various types of subjects including the above-described standing subjects, even when the subjects are the above-described subjects. With the goal.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 includes a line sensor having a large number of semiconductor imaging elements arranged in one direction, and an optical system having a focus function and guiding light received from a subject to the line sensor. A head unit, and a moving unit for moving the head unit in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the semiconductor image pickup devices by a distance capable of imaging the entire subject, and disposed in front of a scanning surface of the line sensor. Focus setting is performed on the obtained three-dimensional object, and continuous imaging is performed while moving the head unit.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 2 is the image input device according to claim 1, wherein the optical system includes a zoom lens.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the first or second aspect, the moving unit includes a guide member and the head unit for moving the head unit along the guide member. And a moving mechanism attached to the device.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the third aspect, the head portion moves in a vertical direction.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 5 is the image input device according to claim 3, wherein the guide member has a curved shape.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the fourth aspect, the guide member has a circular shape, and the head portion captures an image of an inner region of the guide member.
[0018]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the fourth aspect, the guide member has a circular shape, and the head portion captures an image of an outer region of the guide member.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main part of the image input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side view showing a main part of the image input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image input device 1 includes a head unit 10, a support 20 for guiding the head unit 10, and a base 3 for fixing the support 20.
[0021]
The support 20 includes a pair of linear guide rails 22 that are arranged side by side so as to be parallel to both side surfaces thereof. The support 20 is erected on the base 3 such that the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 22 is vertical. The head unit 10 is moved along a guide rail 22 by a moving mechanism of the head unit 10 to be described later, while continuously imaging the subject 80, by a distance capable of imaging the entire subject 80.
[0022]
Next, a moving mechanism of the head unit 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the head unit 10 in the image input device 1 according to the present invention.
[0023]
The head unit 10 includes an optical system 11, a CCD line sensor 12, a control board 13, a drive roller 14, a drive motor 15, and a holding bearing 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the head unit 10 is connected to a power supply 4 via a power cable 5.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 4, the head unit 10 is coupled to the support 20 in a state where the pair of pressing bearings 16 can slide on the guide rail 22 by holding the guide rail 22 therebetween. For this reason, the head unit 10 can move in a stable state along the guide rail 22. The head 10 can be removed from the support 20 by adjusting the width of the pair of holding bearings 16 in the head 10. This makes it possible to combine the head unit 10 with a different kind of support 20 as shown in other embodiments.
[0025]
The peripheral surface of the drive roller 14 and the side surface of the support 20 are in contact with each other. The peripheral surface of the drive roller 14 and the side surface of the support 20 are made of a material that does not slip with each other due to friction. Then, the drive roller 14 in the head unit 10 rotates by transmitting the rotation of the drive motor 15 via the speed reducer 17. For this reason, the head unit 10 moves along the side surface of the support 20 as the drive roller 14 rotates.
[0026]
The CCD line sensor 12 in the head unit 10 has a large number of semiconductor imaging devices arranged in one direction. The moving direction of the head unit 10 is a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the semiconductor imaging devices are arranged.
[0027]
Light taken into the optical system 11 from the subject 80 enters the CCD line sensor 12 and is converted into an analog electric signal. Further, the analog electric signal is converted into a digital electric signal by the control board 13, and is transmitted to the image capturing computer 2 via the image transmission cable 6.
[0028]
Images continuously captured by the movement of the head unit 10 are transmitted to the image capturing computer 2 via the image transmission cable 6. The image transmitted to the image capturing computer 2 is corrected by executing various image processing in the image capturing computer 2. Here, various types of image processing refer to processing such as color correction, USM correction, distortion correction, and magnification correction. A part of the image processing, for example, the shading correction or the like may be processed by the control board 13 in the head unit 10.
[0029]
Such image capture is performed continuously as the head unit 10 moves. Therefore, it is possible to image the entire subject 80.
[0030]
The optical system 11 includes a plurality of lenses, and includes an autofocus mechanism that can automatically change the focal length. Thus, even when the distance between the image input device 1 and the subject 80 is not constant, the subject 80 can be properly imaged by the autofocus mechanism. The optical system 11 includes a zoom lens. Therefore, the imaging magnification can be changed according to the distance to the subject 80.
[0031]
The drive system of the optical system 11 and the drive motor 15 of the head unit 10 are controlled by a control board 13. Here, the control of the drive system of the optical system 11 and the drive motor 15 is performed, for example, as follows.
[0032]
First, an operator inputs an imaging range, a magnification, a resolution, and the like of the subject 80 to the image capturing computer 2. The input data is calculated in the image capturing computer 2 to determine the position of each lens of the optical system 11 and the moving range of the head unit 10. This information is transmitted to the control board 13 via a cable (not shown) as a digital signal. Then, the digital signal is converted into an analog signal in the control board 13 and transmitted to the drive system of the optical system 11 and the drive motor 15. Thereby, the drive system of the optical system 11 and the rotation of the drive motor 15 are controlled.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an input operation for inputting an image using the image input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
When an image is input using the image input device 1, first, an operator performs measurement preparation for preparing the device and the subject 80 (step S1). Next, scanning conditions such as magnification and resolution are input (step S2). Thereafter, in this state, an instruction to start scanning is waited (step S3). When start is instructed, an autofocus operation is performed (step S4). This autofocus operation is a step of determining an optimum focus position by pre-scanning the subject 80 as described later. When the optimum focus position is determined by the autofocus operation, the optical system 11 is appropriately set by the above control. Thereafter, the subject 80 is scanned by the head unit 10 to input an image (step S5). In this scanning step, the head unit 10 is moved along the guide rail 2 by driving the drive motor 15. The image data of the subject 80 is obtained by irradiating the subject 80 with a light source (not shown) and capturing the reflected light from the subject 80 into the CCD line sensor 12 via the optical system 11.
[0035]
Note that a shading correction step may be performed before the scanning step (step S4). Here, the shading correction step refers to, for example, a step of adjusting the output of each CCD in the CCD line sensor 12 using a white reference plate.
[0036]
The autofocus operation in step S4 is not limited to the prescan operation. A predetermined position for performing the focus operation is set in advance, and the optimum focus position at the predetermined position is used to determine the entire focus position. You may.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the above-described autofocus operation.
[0038]
When performing the autofocus operation, first, the focus position is changed stepwise to obtain image data (step S31). Next, a total sum A of difference values (absolute values) between pixels is calculated from the image data obtained in step S31 (step S32). The position where the sum A is maximum is the position where the contrast is maximum. Next, the calculation result of step S32 is compared, and the position where the sum A is maximized is set as the optimum focus position (step S33).
[0039]
The calculation in step S32 is an example of a calculation method of the autofocus control, and may be another calculation method. Alternatively, the actual position of the subject 80 may be measured by a distance sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, and the focus position may be set.
[0040]
Further, in the above embodiment, the optical system 11 is provided with the auto-focus mechanism capable of changing the focal length. However, the optical system 11 may be provided with a focus mechanism which manually changes the focal length.
[0041]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the same members as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0042]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The image input device 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the standing subject image input device 1 according to the above-described first embodiment in that the head unit 10 moves in the horizontal direction.
[0043]
In the image input device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide rail 22 is fixed to the pair of bases 3 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is horizontal. Further, the head unit 10 is coupled to the support 20 so that the direction in which the CCD line sensors 12 are arranged in a row is vertical and the direction in which the head unit 10 moves is horizontal. For this reason, according to the image input device 1 according to the second embodiment, even if the subject 80 is horizontally long, it is possible to image the entire subject 80.
[0044]
Further, the fixing position of the support 20 in the image input device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be changed with respect to the base 3. Therefore, even when the height position of the subject 80 is changed, the subject 80 can be imaged.
[0045]
Further, in the image input device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the imaging direction of the head unit 10 is changed by rotating the support 20 around a rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 22. Can be. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the support 20 in the image input apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is rotated 90 degrees together with the head unit 10 around a rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of the support 20. FIG. In this way, by turning the head unit 10 downward, it is possible to image the upper surface of the subject 80. The bottom of the subject 80 may be imaged by turning the head unit 10 upward.
[0046]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The image input device 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the image input device 1 according to the above-described first embodiment in that the guide rail 22 has a curved shape.
[0047]
In the image input device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the guide rail 22 has a shape of a part of an ellipse. Therefore, the direction of the head unit 10 (the imaging direction of the subject 80) can be changed while moving the head unit 10. Accordingly, even when the moving range of the head unit 10 cannot correspond to the size of the subject 80, the entire subject 80 can be imaged. At this time, as described above, since the optical system 11 includes the autofocus mechanism, even when the distance between the head unit 10 and the subject 80 in the image input device 1 is not constant as shown in FIG. The subject 80 can be properly imaged.
[0048]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The image input device 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the image input device 1 according to the above-described first embodiment in that one side surface of the support 20 is circular.
[0049]
The image input device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a circular guide rail 22 along the shape of a hollow portion of a support 20 having a circular hollow portion. The head unit 10 has a structure in which the head unit 10 turns around the subject 80 along the guide rails 22 in the direction in which the subject 80 located inside the support body 20 is imaged. Thus, the subject 80 can be imaged from all sides, and a developed image of the subject 80 can be captured.
[0050]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The image input device 1 according to the fifth embodiment is different from the image input device 1 according to the fourth embodiment described above in that the head unit 10 captures an image of the outside of the circular support 20.
[0051]
The image input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a circular guide rail 22 along the outer peripheral surface of a support 20 having a circular outer peripheral surface. The head unit 10 has a structure in which the head unit 10 is turned along the guide rail 22 in a direction in which an image of the outside of the support 20 is taken. Thereby, it is possible to take an image of the periphery of the image input device 1 from all directions, and to take a panoramic image around the image input device 1.
[0052]
In the above embodiment, the head unit 10 is connected to the image reading computer 2 via the image transmission cable 6, and the drive motor 15 is connected to the power supply 4 via the power cable 5. The transmission from the computer 10 to the image reading computer 2 may be wireless transmission, and a battery for activating the drive motor 15 and the like may be provided in the head unit 10. In this case, cords are not attached to the head unit 10, so that the restriction when the head unit 10 travels along the guide rail 22 can be reduced.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a focus is set on a three-dimensional object arranged in front of the scanning surface of the line sensor and continuous imaging is performed while moving the head, image input is performed. Even when the distance between the apparatus and the subject is not constant, it is possible to properly image the entire subject including the standing subject.
[0054]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the optical system includes the zoom lens, the imaging magnification can be changed according to the distance to the subject.
[0055]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the moving means of the head section is constituted by the guide member and the moving mechanism attached to the head section for moving the head section along the guide member. Even when the head section is moved along guide rails of various shapes, the moving mechanism can be the same, and the head section can be combined with a different type of guide member by removing the head section from the guide member. .
[0056]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the head portion moves in the vertical direction, it is possible to appropriately capture an image of the standing subject.
[0057]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the guide member has a curved side surface, and the head portion moves along the curved side surface of the guide member, so that imaging is performed while moving the head portion. The direction can be changed. Accordingly, even when the moving range of the head unit cannot correspond to the size of the subject, the entire subject can be imaged.
[0058]
According to the invention described in claim 6, the guide member has a circular side surface, and the head portion moves along the circular side surface of the guide member to image the inside area of the guide member. Can be imaged from all sides, and a developed image of the subject can be imaged.
[0059]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, the guide member has a circular side surface, and the head portion moves along the circular side surface of the guide member to image the outer region of the guide member. The surroundings of the input device can be imaged from all directions, and a panoramic image around the image input device can be taken.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main part of the image input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a main part of the image input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a head unit 10 in the image input device 1 according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an input operation for inputting an image using the image input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an autofocus operation of the image input apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the support 20 in the image input apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is rotated by 90 degrees together with the head unit 10 around a rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of the support 20. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an image input device 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image input device 2 Image capture computer 3 Base 4 Power supply 5 Power supply cable 6 Image transmission cable 10 Head unit 11 Optical system 12 CCD line sensor 13 Control board 14 Driving roller 15 Driving motor 16 Holding bearing 17 Reduction gear 20 Support 22 Guide rail 80 subject

Claims (7)

A line sensor having a large number of semiconductor imaging devices arranged in one direction, a head unit having an optical system that has a focus function and guides light received from a subject to the line sensor,
Moving means for moving the head unit in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the semiconductor image pickup devices are arranged, by a distance capable of imaging the entire subject;
An image input apparatus, wherein focus is set on a three-dimensional object arranged in front of a scanning surface of the line sensor, and continuous imaging is performed while moving the head unit. The image input device according to claim 1,
The image input device, wherein the optical system includes a zoom lens. The image input device according to claim 1 or 2,
The moving means, a guide member, a moving mechanism attached to the head portion for moving the head portion along the guide member,
An image input device comprising: The image input device according to claim 3,
The image input device, wherein the head unit moves in a vertical direction. The image input device according to claim 3,
The image input device, wherein the guide member has a curved shape. The image input device according to claim 4,
The guide member has a circular shape,
The image input device, wherein the head unit captures an image of an inner region of the guide member. The image input device according to claim 4,
The guide member has a circular shape,
The image input device, wherein the head unit captures an area outside the guide member.

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