JP3719599B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image formed on a sheet-like object to be imaged.
[0001]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus (so-called scanner) that reads an image or the like formed on a sheet-like photosensitive material (photograph) or paper (hereinafter referred to as an object to be imaged) is well known.
[0002]
The scanner includes a case made of a box having a rectangular opening on one surface, and a transparent plate member (for example, a transparent plate) that is disposed so as to close the opening of the case and on which an object to be imaged is placed. A mounting table made of a glass plate or a transparent plastic plate), and an imaging element that is built in the case and captures an image of an object to be imaged via the mounting table.
[0003]
The image pickup device is a line CCD in which an image pickup region for reading an image is formed in a line shape having a length corresponding to the width of the mounting table. The imaging device configured as described above is housed in a case so that the imaging region can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging device while maintaining the imaging region parallel to both ends of the mounting table in the longitudinal direction. In addition, it is configured to read the entire image of the object to be imaged by moving while capturing the image in a line. That is, the image sensor is configured to sequentially read the image of the object to be picked up in a line shape and form the same image as the image formed on the object to be picked up by forming the line-shaped image. .
[0004]
The scanner configured as described above moves the imaging element after placing the imaging object on the mounting table with the image facing the upper surface (mounting surface) of the mounting table, thereby moving the imaging object. The scanned image is read by a computer or the like, and the image is subjected to processing such as color correction and density correction.
[0005]
When reading an image from the object to be imaged in this way, if the object to be imaged is arranged to be inclined with respect to the line-shaped imaging area on the mounting table, the image is read in an inclined state, When an image is printed or displayed on a monitor, the image is printed or displayed in an inclined state. In order to return the tilted image to a normal angle, it may be processed by a computer or the like. However, when the computer processing is performed, the read image (image data) is processed, and the image definition is sharp. Will be reduced.
[0006]
Therefore, in order to obtain a clear image, the object to be imaged is placed so that the two adjacent sides of the object to be imaged are along the two adjacent sides forming the outer periphery of the mounting table so that the read image does not tilt. It is placed on the table. That is, one corner of the mounting table having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is set as a reference position when the object to be imaged is arranged.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since an image pickup element in which the image pickup area is formed in a line shape is not clearly read at both ends of the image pickup area, it is necessary to read an image of an object to be picked up to obtain a clear image. In some cases, the object to be imaged is arranged at a position on the mounting table corresponding to a substantially central region in the imaging region where image reading is good or a region other than the vicinity of both ends in the imaging region.
[0008]
In such a case, even if it is not necessary to perform processing such as rotation processing or correction by a computer that reduces the definition of the image (so that the image does not tilt), even if an object to be imaged is placed on the mounting table, Since there is no standard for arranging the object to be imaged, the user of the scanner has to arrange the object to be imaged at an approximate position on the mounting table. For this reason, there is a case where the arranged object to be imaged is tilted with respect to the imaging region of the image sensor, and the image is tilted when the image is printed or displayed on a monitor or the like. Accordingly, there is a case where correction such as rotation processing has to be applied to the read image, although it is desired to obtain a clear image.
[0009]
Accordingly, in view of such circumstances, the present invention provides an image reading device that can accurately place an object to be picked up without being inclined with respect to the image pickup device when the object to be picked up is placed at an arbitrary position on the mounting table. It is an object to provide an apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The image reading apparatus according to the present invention is arranged so as to close an opening formed on an upper surface of the case, and the image of the object to be picked up is opposed to the case. A transparent mounting table to be mounted, and an image of the imaged object mounted on the mounting table while moving in a predetermined direction along the mounting surface on which the object to be imaged is mounted on the mounting table are placed via the mounting table. In the image reading apparatus provided with the imaging device that scans, the movement and scanning of the imaging device are not obstructed, and are provided so as to be visible from the placement surface side through the placement table. Positioning reference means serving as a reference for the placement position of the object to be imaged, wherein the positioning reference means includes a plurality of reference lines arranged in a grid with a predetermined interval, the moving direction of the image sensor, and the Arranged in a matrix with a predetermined interval in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction. A plurality of reference points formed by intersections of a plurality of reference lines, and the reference lines and reference points are directly three-dimensionally formed on the bottom surface inside the case, and between the reference lines and reference points and the mounting table. In addition, a moving region of the image sensor is interposed, and a plurality of reference lines and reference points are arranged to face the mounting table .
[0011]
According to the image reading apparatus having the above configuration, the positioning reference means serving as a reference for the arrangement position of the object to be imaged is provided so as to be visually recognized via the mounting table. When placing an object to be placed on the placement table using the positioning reference means as a guide when placing the object at an arbitrary position on the placement table, the object to be picked is placed in an inclined state with respect to the image sensor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an image obtained by reading the image sensor is tilted. Further, since the positioning reference means is arranged so as not to hinder the movement and scanning of the image sensor, the image of the object to be imaged can be read smoothly.
[0012]
The front Symbol positioning reference means, the moving direction of the image pickup element, and is composed of a plurality of reference points arranged in a matrix with a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction, and the reference point When a moving region of the image sensor is interposed between the mounting table and a plurality of reference points are arranged facing the mounting table, a predetermined part (for example, a corner) of the object to be imaged is aligned with any of the reference points, In addition, if the outer peripheral edge of the object to be imaged is arranged along other reference points, it is possible to prevent the object to be imaged from being inclined with respect to the moving direction on the image sensor.
[0013]
In addition, prior Symbol positioning reference means comprises a plurality of reference lines arranged in a grid with a predetermined interval, wherein the plurality of reference points, if the intersection of the plurality of reference lines, either If the predetermined part (corner, etc.) of the object to be imaged is aligned with the reference point (intersection point) and the outer peripheral edge of the object to be imaged is arranged along the reference line as appropriate, the object to be imaged is inclined with respect to the image sensor. The object to be imaged can be easily arranged in a state where it is prevented.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus according to a reference example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus according to the present reference example is arranged so as to close the opening 1 and a case 2 made of a box having an opening 1 on the upper surface, and an object to be imaged such as a photograph or a magazine. A mounting table 3 made of a transparent glass plate having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, a plate-shaped lid 4 for pressing an object to be imaged mounted on the mounting table 3 from above, and the case 2 and an imaging mechanism body 5 that reads an image of an object to be imaged via the mounting table 3 while moving in the longitudinal direction of the case 2 in plan view.
[0016]
The case 2 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and an opening 1 similar to the top surface is formed on the top surface of the rectangular shape, while the bottom surface in the case 2 has the bottom surface in plan view. And a scale member 6 made of a plate material whose shape is set so as to have substantially the same dimensions.
[0017]
At the end on the upper surface side forming the opening 1, a step portion for arranging the mounting table 3 is formed so that the mounting table 3 does not protrude from the upper surface of the case 2. A guide for guiding the imaging mechanism body 5 when moving the imaging mechanism body 5 in the longitudinal direction is provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of vertical surfaces 7 and 7 (longitudinal standing parts) in the short direction of the case 2. Rails 8 are provided.
[0018]
The scale member 6 has, on one surface (upper surface), a plurality of reference points 9, 9..., And reference lines 10, 10 which are positioning reference means serving as a reference for the mounting position of the object to be imaged on the mounting table 3. ... is formed. The plurality of reference lines 10, 10... Have a predetermined interval (for example, 5 mm or 10 mm interval) so as to form a lattice shape, and are orthogonal to the moving direction of the imaging mechanism 5 and the moving direction. .. Are formed in two directions (biaxial directions), and the reference points 9, 9... Are formed by intersections of a plurality of reference lines 10, 10. The reference lines 10, 10... Are three-dimensionally (swelled) with respect to the plate material, and the reference points 9, 9,. The scale member 6 is fixed to the bottom of the case 2 so that the reference points 9, 9... And the reference lines 10, 10.
[0019]
The mounting table 3 is set to a shape that can be fitted into the stepped portion of the case 2, that is, a planar shape similar to the upper surface of the case 2 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The mounting table 3 has a peripheral end attached to the stepped portion of the case 2 via an adhesive as an attaching means, and closes the opening 1 of the case 2. Therefore, the inside of the case 2 (the reference points 9, 9... Of the scale member 6, and the reference lines 10, 10...) Whose internal space is blocked by the mounting table 3 can be viewed through the mounting table 3. It is configured as follows.
[0020]
The lid 4 has a plate shape substantially the same as the shape of the upper surface of the case 2, and the longitudinal direction of the lid 4 is near one end in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the case 2. One end is butterfly.
[0021]
The imaging mechanism body 5 includes a cover body 11 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and an imaging element 12 that is built in the cover body 11 and reads an image of an object to be imaged placed on the mounting table 3. ing.
[0022]
The cover body 11 is formed by a box body having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view having a long side slightly shorter than the inner dimension in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the case 2 (hereinafter referred to as a short direction). . On the upper surface of the cover body 11, there is formed a slit having a length corresponding to the length in the short direction of the opening 1 of the case 2 and in which an imaging region for reading an image of the imaging element 12 is located. Further, guide grooves 13 into which the guide rails 8 and 8 are slidably fitted are formed in the vertical surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 11 so as to face in the short direction on the upper surface.
[0023]
When the guide rails 8 are fitted into the guide groove 13, the cover body 11 has the bottom surface of the cover body 11, the reference points 9, 9, ... of the scale member 6 disposed in the case 2, and the reference Lines 10, 10... Are located at positions having a predetermined interval. In other words, the cover body 11 (imaging element 12) is in a state of being interposed between the mounting table 3 and the reference points 9, 9... Of the scale member 6 and the reference lines 10, 10.
[0024]
The image pickup device 12 includes a charge coupled device (CCD), and a plurality of image pickup units (image pickup lines) that read and divide an image are arranged in a line, and a line CCD in which an image pickup region for reading an image is formed in a line. It is. The imaging element 12 is housed in the cover body 11 such that an imaging region formed in a line shape is positioned in the slit of the cover body 11. The image sensor 12 is connected to a CPU of a separately provided computer (not shown) so that the read image can be displayed on a monitor (not shown) or printed by a printer (not shown). Has been.
[0025]
The imaging mechanism body 5 configured as described above includes a rotating shaft of a motor (not shown) provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction in the case 2 and a part of the cover body 11 of the imaging mechanism body 5. It is spanned on a shaft (not shown) provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and is connected to a part of an endless belt (not shown) that rotates and moves in the longitudinal direction of the case 2. That is, the imaging mechanism 5 is configured such that when the endless belt rotates by driving the motor, the imaging mechanism 5 moves along the guide rails 8 and 8 as the endless belt rotates. In other words, the imaging mechanism 5 is configured such that the imaging area of the imaging device 12 moves with a predetermined interval with respect to the mounting table 3 and in parallel (along the mounting table 3). ing.
[0026]
Reading an image of an object to be imaged (for example, a rectangular photograph in plan view) by the scanner having the above configuration is performed as follows.
[0027]
First, when the lid 4 is opened to place a photograph on the mounting table 3, the user of the scanner, as shown in FIG. , And the reference lines 10, 10.
[0028]
Next, in order to place the photograph P at a position where the image pickup device 12 can clearly read the image of the photograph P, that is, at a substantially center of the mounting table 3 (a position away from the end of the mounting table 3) (see FIG. As shown in (b), with the image of the photo P facing the mounting surface of the mounting table 3, the photo P is arranged on the mounting table 3 at a substantially central portion of the mounting table 3. At this time, the reference point 9 of the scale member 6 substantially corresponding to the desired position of the photograph P is used as a mark (reference), the corner of the photograph P is aligned, and the biaxial reference line 10 forming the reference point 9 is formed. , 10 along the two sides of the photo P, the photo P is placed on the mounting table 3.
[0029]
Thereafter, the lid 4 is closed so that the photograph P is pressed by the lid 4, and then the photograph P is passed through the mounting table 3 while moving the imaging mechanism 5 (imaging element 12) in the longitudinal direction of the case 2. Are sequentially read in a line shape in the short direction of the case 2 and the images obtained in the line shape are combined to obtain an image identical to the image formed on the photograph P (depending on the performance of the image sensor 12). be able to. In addition, the part where the photograph P is not arranged on the mounting table 3 is also read by the image sensor 12.
[0030]
Therefore, when the image obtained in this way is displayed on a monitor or printed, the image can be obtained in a state corresponding to the vertical or horizontal direction of the display surface or the print surface (not tilted). In other words, the scanner having the above-described configuration is configured such that the photograph P arranged on the placement surface 3 is converted into a plurality of reference points 9 and 9 of the scale member 6 formed in the moving direction of the image sensor 12 and the direction orthogonal to the moving direction. .. And the reference lines 10, 10..., So that even if the photograph P is placed at any position on the placement table 3, the placement surface on which the image pickup device 12 moves and images. The photograph P can be accurately arranged without being inclined with respect to the entire imaging region corresponding to 3. As a result, the obtained image is not tilted, and an image with good appearance can be obtained.
[0033]
In this reference example, and formed on the scale member 6 made a reference point 9, 9 ... and the reference line 10, 10 ... constituting a positioning reference unit from plate material, has been placed on the bottom of the case 2, an embodiment of the present invention scanner the reference point 9,9 ... and the reference line 10, 10 ... is that according to embodiment be directly three-dimensionally formed on the case 2 inside of the base. Note that the image reading apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0034]
Furthermore, if colored differently the criteria points 9,9 ... reference line 10, 10 ... color, easily recognized user more reference points 9,9 ... and the reference line 10, 10 ... of the scanner .
[0036]
Furthermore, the present invention provides a copying apparatus (so-called copying machine) having the same configuration as the scanner according to the reference example described above , that is, a transparent mounting table and an image pickup device that reads an image in a line while moving in a predetermined direction. similar to the embodiment can achieve the same effect as scanner according to one embodiment of be provided criteria points 9,9 ... and the reference line 10, 10 ... present invention, and the effect.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, as an effect of the present invention, the positioning reference means that serves as a reference for the position of the object to be imaged is provided so as to be visually recognized via the mounting table. When placing an object to be placed on the placement table using the positioning reference means as a guide when placing the object at an arbitrary position on the placement table, the object to be imaged is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the image sensor. It is possible to prevent a situation in which an image obtained by reading an image sensor is not arranged and tilted. Further, since the positioning reference means is arranged so as not to hinder the movement and scanning of the image sensor, the image of the object to be imaged can be read smoothly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view including a partial cross section of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A and 2B are plan views of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 2A shows a state in which a lid is opened, and FIG. 2B shows a photograph that is an object to be imaged on a mounting table. Indicates the state.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Opening, 2 ... Case, 3 ... Mounting stand, 4 ... Cover body, 5 ... Imaging mechanism body, 6 ... Scale member, 7 ... Elevation part, 8 ... Guide rail, 9 ... Reference point, 10 ... Reference line, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Cover body, 12 ... Image sensor, 13 ... Guide groove

Claims (1)

A case in which an opening is formed on the upper surface, a transparent mounting table that is disposed so as to close the opening, and on which the image of the object to be captured is placed, and the object to be imaged on the mounting table An image reading apparatus comprising: an imaging element that scans an image of an object to be imaged placed on a placement table while moving in a predetermined direction along the placement surface; The positioning reference means is provided so as to be visible through the mounting table from the mounting surface side without hindering the movement and scanning of the above, and serving as a reference for the mounting position of the object to be imaged on the mounting table, The positioning reference means has a plurality of reference lines arranged in a grid with predetermined intervals, a moving direction of the image sensor, and a matrix having predetermined intervals in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction. It consists of multiple reference points that are arranged and consist of intersections of multiple reference lines. The reference line and the reference point are directly three-dimensionally formed on the bottom surface inside the case, and the moving area of the image sensor is interposed between the reference line and the reference point and the mounting table, and a plurality of reference lines and reference points An image reading apparatus characterized in that a point is disposed to face a mounting table .

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