JP2005078335A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader which can choose whether information regarding irregularity on a sheet of paper or equivalent is to be read or not as image information in accordance with the image reading setup. <P>SOLUTION: A scanning device 1 is equipped with a transport route 3 for transporting the sheet of paper or the equivalent. On this transport route 3, a resist sensor 5 for detecting arrival of the sheet of paper or the equivalent 90 and an image reading unit 6, which is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the transport for the sheet of paper or the equivalent 90 for reading the image for the sheet of paper or the equivalent 90, are arranged. An image reading unit 6 is equipped with a first irradiation part 101a for irradiating light to the sheet of paper or the equivalent 90, an optical receiver part 100 for receiving the light reflected from the sheet of paper or the equivalent 90, a second irradiation part 101b arranged on the side opposite to the first irradiation part 101a relative to the optical receiver part 100 for irradiating the irradiation area on the sheet of paper or the equivalent 90 with the light by the first irradiation part 101a, and a selection part 203 for choosing whether the second irradiation part 101b is to irradiate it with the light or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus for paper sheets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus in which image information on an irradiated original surface is read by a reading unit such as a line sensor includes a light source (irradiation unit) such as a fluorescent lamp that irradiates the original surface and an irradiated original surface. An imaging optical unit such as a lens that forms an image of the reflected light beam on the surface of the reading unit as an image on the document surface, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the electrical signal output from the reading unit. In addition, the image reading apparatus reads two-dimensional image information on the document surface by moving the document surface or the image reading unit in the sub-scanning direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the image reading apparatus reflects light from the irradiation unit 101 by a paper sheet 90, receives light by a light receiving unit 100 through a lens 103, and receives the received light as a photoelectric converter. 102, the electric signal is converted into an electric signal and recorded in the memory 105 via the AD converter 104. Therefore, the irradiating unit 101 is installed in a direction shifted from the perpendicular direction lowered from the light receiving unit 100 to the paper sheet 90. There must be.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when the sheet 90 is creased or wrinkled and the surface is not flat, the light irradiated to the A surface is reflected by the A surface. Then, the light reaches the light receiving unit 100 through the lens 103 and is received (FIG. 15A), but when the paper sheet 90 is conveyed and light is irradiated onto the B surface (FIG. 15B). ), The incident angle of the light applied to the B surface is larger than the light applied to the A surface (FIG. 15A), and therefore, the reflected light from the B surface has an amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 100 of A. Less than the reflected light from the surface. For this reason, the B side is judged to be darker than the A side, and the image is shaded.

  Here, in order to prevent the image from being shaded even when the paper sheet 90 has a crease or wrinkle and its surface is not flat, as shown in FIG. A method is generally used in which two irradiating portions 101a and 101b are provided so as to face each other, and light is applied to the paper sheet 90 from each of the two irradiating portions 101a and 101b at a different angle.

  According to this method, since the light from the irradiation unit 101b is irradiated to the paper sheet 90 at an angle different from the light from the irradiation unit 101a, even if the paper sheet 90 has a crease, a wrinkle, or the like, the image is displayed. Shadows can be prevented from being generated, so that an image can be read without conspicuous folds or wrinkles.

On the other hand, when it is desired to read uneven information such as embossing recorded on a paper sheet 90 such as a cash card or a credit card as an image, each of the two irradiation units 101a and 101b is at a different angle with respect to the paper sheet 90. Without adopting the method of irradiating light, as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b), the irradiating unit 101 is placed at one position in a direction deviating from the perpendicular direction of the paper sheet 90 from the light receiving unit 100. Install only on. As a result, the light applied to the A surface is reflected by the A surface and reaches the light receiving unit 100 to be received (FIG. 17A). Thereafter, the paper sheet 90 is conveyed and the light is applied to the B surface. When irradiated (FIG. 17B), the incident angle of the light irradiated on the B surface is larger than the incident angle of the light irradiated on the A surface (FIG. 17A). The amount of reflected light that reaches the light receiving unit 100 is smaller than that of the reflected light from the A surface, and a shadow is generated at the boundary 51 between the A surface and the B surface to read uneven information such as emboss as image information. (For example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 01-155487

  However, depending on the user's desire and the type of paper sheet, it is optional to perform image reading without conspicuous creases, wrinkles, etc., and to read uneven information such as embossing as image information by generating shadows There was a problem that could not be selected.

  It is an object of the present invention to image unevenness information on a sheet surface according to an image reading setting such as a setting for reading an image without conspicuous creases or wrinkles, or a setting for reading unevenness information such as embossing as image information. An image reading apparatus capable of selecting whether or not to read as information is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image reading apparatus according to claim 1 includes a first irradiating unit that irradiates light on a paper sheet, a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the paper sheet, and the light receiving unit. An image reading apparatus comprising: a second irradiating unit disposed on a side opposite to the first irradiating unit with respect to the light receiving unit and configured to irradiate light onto an irradiation region on the paper sheet by the first irradiating unit And adjusting means for adjusting the light irradiation amount of the second irradiating means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, the adjusting means includes selection means for selecting whether or not the second irradiation unit emits light. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the second irradiating means is connected to the first irradiating means and a line with respect to a perpendicular from the light receiving means to the paper sheet. It arrange | positions so that it may become symmetrical.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the setting means for setting whether or not the unevenness information of the paper sheet is read as image information. Further, the adjusting means adjusts the light irradiation amount of the second irradiating means according to the setting.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a detection unit that detects unevenness information of the paper sheet, wherein the adjustment unit is the detection unit. The light irradiation amount of the second irradiating means is adjusted according to the uneven information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second irradiation unit is a light emitting unit that emits light by itself.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second irradiation unit is a reflecting unit that reflects light from the first irradiation unit. It is characterized by being.

  An image reading apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the reflecting means includes a reflecting surface and a non-reflecting surface and rotates.

  The image reading device according to claim 9 is the image reading device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the reflecting means is selectively arranged in a range where the light irradiated by the first irradiation means does not reach. Features.

  An image reading apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the first irradiation unit and the first irradiation unit are configured to shield the light irradiated from the first irradiation unit. Shielding means is provided selectively between the reflecting means and the reflecting means.

  The image reading device according to claim 11 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the paper sheet is conveyed from the second irradiation unit toward the first irradiation unit. It is characterized by being.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 12 is the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the paper sheet is conveyed from the first irradiation means toward the second irradiation means. It is characterized by being.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, since the adjusting unit adjusts the light irradiation amount of the second irradiating unit, it is possible to select whether or not to read uneven information on the sheet surface as image information. it can.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the second aspect, since the adjusting unit selects whether or not the second irradiation unit emits light, whether or not the unevenness information on the sheet surface is read as image information. Selection can be facilitated.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the third aspect, the second irradiating means is arranged so as to be symmetrical with the first irradiating means with respect to the perpendicular from the light receiving means to the paper sheet. Thus, it is possible to read an image without making the folds, wrinkles and the like on the sheet surface more conspicuous.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the fourth aspect, the adjustment unit adjusts the light irradiation amount of the second irradiation unit according to the setting as to whether or not the unevenness information of the paper sheet is read as image information. Images can be read as desired.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the fifth aspect, since the light irradiation amount of the second irradiation unit is adjusted according to the unevenness information of the paper sheet detected by the adjustment unit, the image is selected according to the type of the paper sheet. Can be read.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the sixth aspect, since the second irradiating unit is a light emitting unit that emits light by itself, the light irradiation amount can be easily adjusted.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the seventh aspect, since the second irradiating unit is a reflecting unit that reflects the light from the first irradiating unit, the power consumption can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a scanner device 1 (image reading device) includes a placement unit 2 for placing paper sheets, a conveyance path 3 for conveying paper sheets, and a discharged paper sheet. And a paper discharge unit 4 for placing.

  The paper sheets placed on the placement section 2 are discharged through the transport path 3 without being fed by a separation roller (not shown), and the discharged paper sheets are discharged. Placed on.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the scanner device 1 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the registration sensor 5 that detects the arrival of the paper sheet 90 and an image reading unit that is arranged perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper sheet 90 and reads an image of the paper sheet 90 are disposed on the conveyance path 3. 6 are provided. Here, the image reading unit 6 includes a first irradiation unit 101 a that irradiates the paper sheet 90 with light, a light receiving unit 100 that receives light reflected from the paper sheet 90, and a first light receiving unit 100. An image on the surface of the paper sheet 90 is formed with a second irradiation unit 101b that is disposed on the opposite side of the irradiation unit 101a and irradiates light onto an irradiation area on the paper sheet 90 by the first irradiation unit 101a. And a lens 103. Here, the second irradiation unit 101b is arranged so as to be line-symmetric with the first irradiation unit 101a with respect to the perpendicular from the light receiving unit 100 to the paper sheet 90. Thereby, the distance from the paper sheet 90 becomes equal between the first irradiation unit 101a and the second irradiation unit 101b.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image reading unit 6 in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the light receiving unit 100, the first irradiation unit 101 a, and the second irradiation unit 101 b are connected to a CPU 200, and this CPU 200 is further connected to a selection unit 203.

  Here, the selection unit 203 selects whether or not the second irradiation unit 101b emits light according to the setting (setting unit) of whether or not the unevenness information is read as image information (adjustment unit, selection unit). ). Further, the CPU 200 determines “paper sheets” from the “distance between the resist sensor 5 and the image reading unit 6” and the “conveying speed of the paper sheets 90” after a predetermined time after the paper sheets 90 pass the registration sensor 5. The time until 90 reaches the image reading unit 6 is calculated, and an instruction is given to start reading the image after the calculated time has elapsed.

  Here, when the user has previously set the reading unit 203 to read an image without conspicuous creases, wrinkles, etc., as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. Light is applied to the paper sheet 90 from both the irradiation unit 101a and the second irradiation unit 101b. When reading the A side (FIG. 4A), the light irradiated to the paper sheet 90 from the first irradiation unit 101a reflects the A side and reaches the light receiving unit 100. Thereafter, when the paper sheet 90 is conveyed and the B side is read (FIG. 4B), the light irradiated to the paper sheet 90 from the second irradiation unit 101b reflects the B surface and receives the light receiving unit. Reach 100.

  As a result, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 100 does not change significantly at the crease 50 (boundary between the A surface and the B surface), so that an image can be read without conspicuous creases or wrinkles.

  On the other hand, if the user has set in advance the setting unit 203 to read uneven information such as embossing as image information, the first irradiation unit 101a applies light to the paper sheet 90 as shown in FIG. However, the second irradiation unit 101b does not irradiate the paper sheet 90 with light. When only the first irradiation unit 101a irradiates light in this way, when reading the A surface (FIG. 5A), the light irradiated to the A surface is reflected and reaches the light receiving unit 100 to receive light. However, when the sheet 90 is subsequently conveyed and the B side is read (FIG. 5B), the incident angle of the light irradiated on the B surface is the incidence of the light irradiated on the A surface. Since the angle is larger than the angle (FIG. 5A), the amount of reflected light from the B surface is less than the amount of reflected light from the A surface compared to the reflected light from the A surface.

  As a result, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 100 is greatly reduced at the boundary 51 between the A surface and the B surface, so that uneven information such as embossing can be read as image information (shadow).

  In the first embodiment, the first irradiation unit 101a is set as the traveling side of the paper sheet 90 in the conveyance direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first irradiation unit 101a is in front of the conveyance direction. It may be on the side.

  In the first embodiment, the scanner apparatus 1 as an image reading apparatus performs image reading line by line. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. The first irradiating unit 101a and the second irradiating unit 101b may be provided to read the image so as to have a two-dimensional width.

  In the first embodiment, when the user has previously set the selection unit 203 to read uneven information such as embossing on the paper sheet 90 as image information, the second irradiation unit 101b completely irradiates light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light quantity of the second irradiation unit 101b may be adjusted (adjustment means). Thereby, uneven | corrugated information, such as embossing, can be read as image information, without making a crease | fold and a wrinkle stand out.

  In the first embodiment, the user sets in advance whether or not to irradiate with the second irradiation unit 101b using the selection unit 203 of the second irradiation unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a movable lever that contacts the paper sheet 90 is provided in the conveyance path 3 so that unevenness information on the surface of the paper sheet 90 can be detected based on the amount of movement of the movable lever (detection). Means), whether to irradiate by the second irradiation unit 101b may be controlled according to the obtained information.

  Next, an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The configuration of the scanner device as the image reading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the scanner apparatus 1 of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the image reading unit 7 in FIG.

  The configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is basically the same as the configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted, and only the differences are described below. explain. That is, the image reading unit 7 replaces the second irradiating unit 101b with the reflecting unit 110 that reflects the light from the first irradiating unit 101a in the irradiation area on the paper sheet 90 by the first irradiating unit 101a. In addition, when an instruction to start image reading is given by the CPU 200, the first irradiation unit 101a irradiates the A surface and the reflection unit 110 of the paper sheet 90.

  Here, the reflecting unit 110 includes a reflecting surface 110a disposed on one side and a non-reflecting surface 110b disposed on the opposite side of the reflecting surface 110a, and the reflecting surface 110a in the reflecting unit 110 is set according to the image reading setting. Or it rotates so that any one of the non-reflective surfaces 110b may face the irradiation part 101a.

  When the user has previously set the selection unit 203 to read an image without conspicuous creases, wrinkles, etc., as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the reflecting unit 110 rotates. Then, the reflection surface 110a is directed to the first irradiation unit 101a so that the light from the first irradiation unit 101a is reflected by the reflection surface 110a and irradiates the paper sheet 90. When reading the A side (FIG. 9A), the light irradiated on the paper sheet 90 from the first irradiation unit 101a reflects the A side and reaches the light receiving unit 100. Thereafter, when the paper sheet 90 is conveyed and the B side is read (FIG. 9B), the light irradiated from the first irradiation unit 101a to the reflection unit 110 is reflected by the reflection surface 110a and the B side. The light irradiated to the B surface is reflected by the B surface and reaches the light receiving unit 100.

  As a result, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 100 does not change greatly with the fold 50 as a boundary, so that an image can be read without conspicuous folds or wrinkles.

  On the other hand, if the selection unit 203 is set to read unevenness information such as embossing as image information, the reflecting unit 110 rotates as shown in FIGS. The non-reflective surface 110b is directed to the first irradiation unit 101a.

  When reading the A surface (FIG. 10A), the light irradiated on the A surface is reflected by the A surface and reaches the light receiving unit 100. Thereafter, when the paper sheet 90 is conveyed and the B side is read (FIG. 10B), the light emitted from the first irradiating unit 101a to the reflecting unit 110 is reflected by the non-reflecting surface 110b. The surface is never irradiated.

  As a result, the amount of light reaching the light receiving unit 100 is greatly reduced at the boundary 51 between the A surface and the B surface, so that uneven information such as embossing can be read as image information (shadow).

  In the second embodiment, depending on the image reading setting, one of the reflecting surface 110a and the non-reflecting surface 110b of the reflecting unit 110 is rotated so as to face the first irradiating unit 101a, and the paper sheet. Whether to read unevenness information on the 90th surface as image information is selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the reflection unit 110 is the first information. Is selectively arranged in a range where the light from the irradiation unit 101a does not reach, that is, the range where the reflection unit 110 does not reach the light from the first irradiation unit 101a (FIG. 11A) ( You may make it move freely in FIG.11 (b)). Here, FIG. 11A shows a case where the selection unit 203 is set to read an image without conspicuous creases or wrinkles, and FIG. 11B shows an unevenness such as embossing in the selection unit 203. This is a case where information is set to be read as image information.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the light is selectively disposed between the first irradiation unit 101a and the reflection unit 110 so as to shield light from the first irradiation unit 101a. The shielding part 120 may be provided. Here, FIG. 12A shows a case where the selection unit 203 is set to read an image without conspicuous creases or wrinkles, and FIG. 12B shows an unevenness such as embossing in the selection unit 203. This is a case where information is set to be read as image information.

  Further, the reflection unit 110 may be a device (adjustment unit) that electrically changes the reflectance of the reflection surface according to the image reading setting.

1 is a perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic internal structure of the scanner apparatus 1 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image reading unit 6 in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image reading unit 6 in FIG. 2, (a) shows a case where A side is read, and (b) shows a case where B side is read. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image reading unit 6 in FIG. 2, (a) shows a case where A side is read, and (b) shows a case where B side is read. It is a perspective view of the modification of the scanner apparatus 1 of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic internal structure of the scanner apparatus 1 of the image reading apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the image reading unit 7 in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image reading unit 7 in FIG. 7, where (a) shows a case where A side is read, and (b) shows a case where B side is read. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image reading unit 7 in FIG. 7, where (a) shows a case where A side is read, and (b) shows a case where B side is read. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image reading unit 7 in FIG. 7, in which (a) is a setting when the selection unit 203 is set to read an image without conspicuous folds, wrinkles, and the like, and (b) is a selection unit 203. 3 shows a case where the unevenness information such as embossing is set as image information. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image reading unit 7 in FIG. 7, in which (a) is a setting when the selection unit 203 is set to read an image without conspicuous folds, wrinkles, and the like, and (b) is a selection unit 203. 3 shows a case where the unevenness information such as embossing is set as image information. It is a schematic block diagram inside a conventional scanner device. It is a schematic block diagram of the image reading part in the conventional scanner apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of the image reading part in the conventional scanner apparatus, (a) shows the case where A surface is read, (b) shows the case where B surface is read, respectively. It is a schematic block diagram of the image reading part in the conventional scanner apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of the image reading part in the conventional scanner apparatus, (a) shows the case where A surface is read, (b) shows the case where B surface is read, respectively.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scanner apparatus 2 Mounting part 3 Carriage path 4 Paper discharge part 5 Registration sensor 6 Image reading unit 7 Image reading unit 50 Fold 51 51 Boundary 90 Paper sheet 100 Light receiving part 101a First irradiation part 101b Second irradiation part 110 Reflection Part 110a reflective surface 110b non-reflective surface 203 selection part

Claims (12)

  A first irradiating means for irradiating light on the paper sheet; a light receiving means for receiving light reflected from the paper sheet; and the light receiving means arranged on the opposite side of the first irradiating means, An image reading apparatus comprising: a second irradiating unit that irradiates light onto an irradiation area on the paper sheet by the first irradiating unit; and an adjusting unit that adjusts a light irradiation amount of the second irradiating unit. An image reading apparatus.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit includes a selection unit that selects whether or not the second irradiation unit emits light.   The said 2nd irradiation means is arrange | positioned so that it may become line symmetrical with the said 1st irradiation means regarding the perpendicular from the said light-receiving means with respect to the said paper sheets. Image reading device.   The image forming apparatus further includes setting means for setting whether to read the unevenness information of the paper sheet as image information, and the adjustment means adjusts the light irradiation amount of the second irradiation means according to the setting. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting unevenness information of the paper sheet, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the light irradiation amount of the second irradiation means according to the detected unevenness information. 5. The image reading apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4.   6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second irradiation unit is a light emitting unit that emits light by itself.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second irradiation unit is a reflection unit that reflects light from the first irradiation unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reflecting unit includes a reflecting surface and a non-reflecting surface and rotates.   9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reflection unit is selectively arranged in a range where the light irradiated by the first irradiation unit does not reach.   10. A shielding unit that is selectively disposed between the first irradiation unit and the reflection unit so as to shield the light emitted from the first irradiation unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet is conveyed from the second irradiation unit toward the first irradiation unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet is conveyed from the first irradiation unit toward the second irradiation unit.

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