JP3057828U - Scanner with two types of image input units - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] The image scanner of the present invention is provided with two types of image input units having different functions so that a user can select and use it according to needs. SOLUTION: Two types of image input units are provided and selectively used according to the needs of image scanning. One of the two types of the image input unit is a scanner capable of automatically feeding paper and performing a mass scanning operation quickly. Another one
One is a scanner that can perform high-quality and high-resolution scanning. Since the user selects and uses these two types of scanners according to his needs, the service life of the entire apparatus can be extended. Further, after the read image is processed internally by the operation panel, the image is printed by a printer and used as a copy machine, or used as a fax through a modem.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 The present invention relates to an image scanner having two input units, and more particularly, to a scanner which can use an image scanner of an image input unit having different characteristics in combination with an image processing device, a modem or a printer.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 Conventional scanners can be roughly divided into several types, such as flatbed scanners, automatic paper feed scanners, and handy scanners. The former two types of scanners are common and of good quality. To automatically feed documents continuously, conventional flatbed scanners are equipped with an automatic paper feeder to read a large number of documents quickly. FIG. 1 shows a conventional paper feeder having an automatic paper feeder and a printer function. The paper feeder of the automatic paper feeder can be inserted from the front as shown in FIG. 2 or as shown in FIG. There is a method to enter from behind. The printer will be installed below the flatbed scanner. This type of multi-functional product has an automatic paper feeder and a flatbed scanner, and uses only one photoelectric module. Also, the original sent by the automatic paper feeder is sent to a transparent glass located between the photoelectric module and the automatic paper feeder to read the image, and then the original is sent from the flatbed of the flatbed scanner. Drained away. Transparent parts wear out and must be replaced after a certain period of time, so placing the printer below the flatbed scanner is inconvenient when loading paper for the printer. If the problem of using one photoelectric module is solved, it is costly and difficult to design.

[0002]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

 In order to meet the various needs of the users, the image scanner of the present invention is equipped with two types of image input units with different functions so that they can be selected and used according to the needs. An automatic paper feeder and a photoelectric module are provided to automatically supply paper and perform large-volume scanning work quickly. In addition, the flat-bed type photoelectric module without another automatic paper feeder can read high quality and high analysis. For this reason, the user selects and uses an image input unit with different characteristics according to needs, and performs the work of reading the image. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image scanner with a long service life. Since two types of image input units with different characteristics are selected and used according to the purpose, the load on the light source production unit and the transmission mechanism is reduced, and the service life of the image scanner is extended.

[0004]

[Means for solving the invention]

 Two types of image input units are provided and selected and used according to the needs of image scanning. One of the two types of image input unit is a scanner that automatically feeds paper and can perform large-scale scanning work quickly. The other is a scanner that can perform high-quality, high-analysis scanning. The user can select and use these two types of scanners according to their needs, so that the service life of the entire apparatus can be extended. After processing the read image internally using the operation panel, the image is printed by a printer and used as a copy machine, or used as a fax through a modem.

[0005]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a first image input unit 10, a second image input unit 20, a control unit 30, a power supply unit 40, and an output / input 50. The first image input unit 10 and the second image input unit 20 read the image of the document and convert it into an electric signal. The first image input unit 10 includes a first photoelectric module 11 for reading an image of a document, and an automatic paper feeder 12 for automatically sending the document to the first photoelectric module 11. The second image input unit 20 has a second photoelectric module 21 for reading an image of a document. The first photoelectric module 11 and the second photoelectric module 21 are scanners having different characteristics. For example, the first photoelectric module 11 (photoelectric module) uses a CIS (Contacted Image Sensor) type photoelectric module using a contact type image sensor (Contacted Image Sensor), and the second photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 21 Use a CCD (Charge Couple Device) type photoelectric module of a charge coupled device (Charge Couple Device). Therefore, the user can select and use the first image input unit 10 or the second image input unit 20 according to his / her needs. One control unit 30 controls the first image input unit 10 and the second image input unit 20 to read the original image. The first image input unit 10 and the second image input unit 20 share one control unit 30, and thereafter convert to complete data or electric signals and output from the output / input 50. The work of saving, editing, transmitting or printing the image signal can be performed by connecting to peripheral devices. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, by connecting the image scanner of the present invention to the personal computer 90, the image signal of the personal computer 90 can be subjected to the aforementioned image processing. The first image input unit 10 and the second image input unit 20 of the present invention may, of course, process and control the data by two control units, in which case the cost is reduced by one control unit 30. It is only slightly higher than the example used.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are structural views of the first embodiment, in which a second image input unit 20 is a flat-bed scanner, a main body 22, a second photoelectric module 21 provided inside the main body 22, and a control unit. 30, a power supply unit 40, an output / input 50, a cover 23 for closing the upper part of the main body 22, a document set part 24 above the main body 22 for placing a scanner original flat, and a second photoelectric module 21 inside the main body. To read the image. The first photoelectronic module 11 and the automatic paper feeder 12 of the first image input unit 10 are one set, and the first image input unit 10 is installed above the end of the main body 22 of the second image input unit 20. When the cover 23 is opened, no influence is exerted. The original is put into the cassette 100 of the first image input unit 10, sent to the first photoelectric module 11 by the automatic paper feeder 12, reads the image, and is discharged from the discharge port 101 at the other end.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment, in which an operation panel 60 is added to the chart diagram of the embodiment of FIG. By setting the operation command to hardware, for example, the software can be executed by the personal computer 90 so that the scanner can be controlled by the scan operation panel 60 directly. Therefore, the user can finish the image scanning work of the document earlier. FIGS. 9 and 10 show another embodiment. In the function chart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a message display unit 70 such as a liquid crystal display is added to display the operation state of the image scanner. I do. "Fourth Embodiment" FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which shows a combined state of the image scanning apparatus of the present invention and the printer 80, the connection between the output / input 50 and the printer 80, and the operation panel. The user sends the image signal obtained by the scanner to the printer 80 for printing by operating the operation 60 (for example, adding a copy key). The printer 80 is installed between the first image input unit 10 and the second image input unit 20, and paper for printing is supplied from a paper tray 81 behind the printer 80 and then collected on a paper output tray 82 in front of the printer 80. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the first image input unit 10 and the printer 80 are mounted thereon using the cradle 25 having a hollow opening 250 at the front. The second image input unit 20 is slid into the cradle 25. When the second image input unit 20 is not used, the second image input unit 20 is pushed into the receiving table 25, and when used, the second image input unit 20 is pulled out and used. This reduces the installation space when not in use.

Fifth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 12, the image scanning apparatus of the present invention can be connected not only to a printer 80 but also to the Internet via an output / input 50 and a modem 83. There is also provided a fax function which allows the image signal obtained by the scanner to be transmitted by the modem 83 by operation (for example, by adding a fax key and a number key). According to the technical contents of the present invention, the first photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 11 and the second photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 21 are not limited to the above-described embodiment. Several embodiments can be implemented. A. The first photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 11 and the second photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 21 are charge-coupled device (CCD) type photoelectric modules (photoelectric modules). B. The first photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 11 and the second photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 21 are CIS (Contacted Image Sensor) type photoelectric modules each using a contact type image sensor (Contacted Image Sensor). It is.

Due to the above-mentioned changes, the user selects an appropriate image input unit and performs an optimal image scanning operation according to needs such as the degree of scan analysis, the scan speed, the type of document, and the number of scans. In the above-described embodiment, the first photoelectric module 11 and the automatic paper feeder 12 are provided inside the first image input unit 10, and the operation panel 60 is provided above the end of the second image input unit 20. However, the location may be elsewhere. By using the operation panel 60, it is possible to immediately control the image scanning apparatus and the peripheral devices connected to the image scanning apparatus and perform a specific function. Therefore, the number and functions of the keys on the operation panel 60 are not limited to the above-described scan key, copy key, fax key, numeric key, and the like.

[0007]

[Effect of the Invention] The present invention has two types of image input units, which can be selectively used according to the needs of image scanning. Therefore, the user can select an optimal image input unit according to the degree of analysis, speed, type or amount of original. In addition, since the user alternately uses these two types of scanners according to the needs, the burden on the light source generator and the transmission mechanism can be reduced, and the service life of the entire apparatus can be extended. In addition, the operation panel can control peripheral devices connected to the scanning device. By connecting the scanning device and peripheral devices by output / input, it becomes a multifunctional image processing device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional multi-function scanner.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a functional chart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional chart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a functional chart of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a use state of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 First image input unit 100 Cassette 101 Discharge port 11 First photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 12 Automatic paper feeder 20 Second image input unit 21 Second photoelectric module (photoelectric module) 22 Main body 23 Cover 24 Document setting section 25 Receiving Table 250 Opening 30 Control Unit 40 Power Supply Unit 50 Output / Input 60 Operation Panel 70 Message Display 80 Printer 81 Paper Tray 82 Output Tray 83 Modem 90 Personal Computer

Claims (10)

[Utility model registration claims] A control for performing a scanning operation by controlling a first image input unit, a second image input unit, a first image input unit and a second image input unit for reading an image of a document and converting the image into an electric signal. Unit, power supply unit, and output /
A scanner having two types of image input units, comprising: input means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image input unit includes a first photoelectric module for reading an image of the document and converting the image into an electric signal, and an automatic paper feeder for automatically sending the document to the first photoelectric module. A scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 1. 3. A CIS (Contacted) wherein the first photoelectric module uses a contact type image sensor.
The second photoelectric module 21 is a charge coupled device (CCD) type photoelectric module (ph).
3. An otoelectric module)
A scanner having two types of image input units according to item 1. 4. The scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 1, wherein an operation state of the scanner is displayed on a liquid crystal display. 5. A scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 1, wherein a printer is connected to the output / input to print the scanned image. 6. The scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 1, wherein a modem can be connected to the output / input to transmit a scanned image. 7. The scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 1, further comprising an operation panel for immediately issuing a continuous operation command just by pressing a key. 8. A scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 7, wherein a scan operation can be performed immediately by pressing a scan key on an operation panel. 9. The scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 7, wherein a copy operation can be immediately performed by pressing a copy key on an operation panel. 10. Pressing the fax key on the operation panel,
A scanner having two types of image input units according to claim 7, which can send a fax immediately.