JP5491354B2 - Scanner device and method for detecting location of photographing object in scanner device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a scanner device and a method for detecting a place where an image is taken in the scanner device.

  A stand-type image scanner device (hereinafter referred to as a stand scanner) is a scanner device that does not have a mechanism that covers an object to be photographed and blocks external light, as is the case with an auto-feeder type or flatbed type scanner device. The stand scanner includes, for example, an image sensor and a lens above a photographing surface, and is configured to photograph an image based on reflected light generated by irradiating an imaged object with a surrounding light source. The stand scanner does not need to capture the shooting target inside the device and does not need to open the cover when placing the shooting target at the shooting location. It is particularly suitable for

  However, since shooting by the stand scanner depends on the surrounding light source, the brightness of the shot image may change depending on the brightness of the installation location of the scanner device, and a uniform image may not be acquired. In order to prevent this, the stand scanner has a calibration function. The calibration function reads the reference medium (calibration sheet) placed by the installer at the time of initial installation, for example, sets the exposure time appropriately so that the brightest pixels are detected at a constant brightness, This is a function for absorbing differences between installation environments by performing image correction.

  As an example of calibration, there is an example in which photographed image data obtained by photographing an object to be photographed is corrected with brightness difference image data based on the brightness distribution of a document table on which the photographed object is placed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, equipped with multiple brightness detectors that measure the brightness of the shooting target, detect the brightness of the shooting target, and display the determination result when it is determined that the brightness is inappropriate There is an example of a scanner device. In this example, it is assumed that the position of the scanner device is changed when the brightness is inappropriate (see, for example, Patent Document 2). There is also an example of a scanner device that obtains information on a high-luminance part of an imaging target based on image data of the imaging target and identifies an optical path of external light that causes reflection on the imaging target. In this scanner device, a member that blocks the optical path is arranged on the specified optical path of external light, thereby preventing reflection on the object to be photographed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In addition, in a scanner including an illumination device that irradiates an imaging target, an example in which data indicating an illuminance distribution of a document table on which the imaging target is placed is obtained and the position of the illumination device with respect to the document table is controlled. Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In addition, there is an example describing a scanner device including a two-dimensional image sensor and a higher-precision one-dimensional image sensor. In this scanner device, first, an image to be photographed is read by a two-dimensional sensor, and the read image and the reading range of the one-dimensional image sensor are displayed on the screen at the same time. Then, a position where the document is moved is set so that a desired reading position is within the reading range of the one-dimensional image sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

JP 2009-60393 A JP 2005-12467 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-72785 JP-A-9-139882 JP-A-8-204914

  By the way, when correcting image data acquired as in Patent Document 1, a paper medium is conventionally optimal as the reference medium because it has the largest number of paper media as imaging targets. However, the object to be photographed includes not only a paper medium having a relatively high light diffusion rate but also a laminated medium and a reflective medium such as a license.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a problem in the case where the reflection medium is an imaging target will be described. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are conceptual diagrams showing the state of light when a photographing object placed on the pedestal 11 is photographed by a camera having a camera board 7 and a lens 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when a photographing object 14 such as paper is placed on the pedestal 11 and photographed, the light 28 incident from the light source 27 is diffused on the surface of the photographing object 14. Therefore, an image with relatively uniform brightness can be obtained. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the reflection medium 13 that is much more reflective than the reference medium, such as a laminate medium or a license, is photographed, the lens 9 and the light source 27 (in a room such as a fluorescent lamp or LED lighting). Depending on the positional relationship of such ceiling lights, strong reflected light, for example, light 28a from the region 16 may be captured. In such a case, since the image image causes halation (an event in which the reflection portion becomes pure white), correction of data as in Patent Document 1 may not be able to identify characters and photographs.

  In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to change the location of the scanner device as in Patent Document 2, but it takes time. In addition, as in Patent Document 3, the method of arranging a member that blocks the optical path naturally has limitations on the location of the member that blocks the optical path, and thus cannot always block the optical path. In addition, the number of parts constituting the apparatus increases and the configuration becomes complicated. The method of adjusting the lighting device as in Patent Document 4 has a problem that the number of parts for mounting the lighting device is increased and the configuration is complicated. Therefore, it can be considered that there is a method of avoiding placing the photographing object in a place where halation occurs by shifting the place where the photographing object is placed.

  In the scanner device described in Patent Document 5, in order to obtain a partially higher-accuracy image, the placement location of the photographing target is shifted to a desired position. However, in Patent Document 5, the moving position of the photographing target is determined by performing alignment while viewing the displayed image of the photographing target. For this reason, it is necessary to actually repeat photographing and visual discrimination of an image, which is inefficient.

  Furthermore, when halation occurs, it is possible to read characters and photographs at the halation location by setting the exposure time very short. However, since there is a large difference in brightness between the halation and non-halation areas, setting the exposure time according to the halation will darken the areas that do not cause halation and become unreadable. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a scanner device capable of photographing a reflection medium by an appropriate and simple method regardless of the state of external light, and a method for detecting a place where an object is to be photographed in the scanner device. For the purpose.

  The scanner device according to the present invention includes a pedestal unit on which an imaging target is placed, an imaging unit that photographs the imaging target placed on the pedestal unit, and the imaging in a state where a reflection medium is placed on the pedestal unit. A halation detection unit that identifies a pixel having a gradation value greater than or equal to a predetermined luminance as a halation unit from an image captured by the unit, and an imaging target having a predetermined shape on the pedestal unit and other than the halation unit. It is characterized by having a placement location detection unit for detecting a placement location on which the placement is possible, and a display unit for displaying the placement location on the pedestal portion.

In the scanner device according to the present invention, a method for detecting a place where a subject is to be photographed includes photographing a reflection medium placed on a pedestal portion by a photographing unit, and obtaining a gradation value greater than a predetermined luminance from an image photographed by the photographing unit. Identifying a pixel having as a halation part, detecting a place on the pedestal part where a photographing object of a predetermined shape can be placed at a place other than the halation part,
It is characterized by having.

  Here, it is preferable that a plurality of the placement locations are specified, and the placement location that is farthest from the center of gravity of the halation portion is detected as the placement location of the photographing target. In addition, it is determined whether or not the placement location has been detected, and when it is determined that the placement location has not been detected, the pedestal portion is instructed to create an inclination corresponding to the halation portion, A method for detecting the location of the object to be photographed may include inclining the pedestal according to the instruction.

  Further, after the pedestal portion is tilted according to the instruction, the photographing unit re-photographs the reflection medium, a new halation portion is identified based on the re-captured image, and a newly identified It is determined whether or not a place where the photographing object of the predetermined shape can be placed is detected with respect to the halation unit, and if the place is not detected, the newly identified halation is determined. An instruction to create an inclination according to the part, and whether or not a place for the halation part newly identified from the photographing of the reflection medium after the pedestal part is inclined can be detected. It is preferable to repeat the above operation until the determination.

  According to the scanner device of the present invention and the method for detecting the location of the object to be photographed in the scanner device, it is possible to photograph the reflection medium by an appropriate and simple method regardless of the state of external light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an external view which shows the structure of the scanner apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a model figure of a scanner apparatus, (b) is an external appearance perspective view of the real machine of a scanner apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the scanner apparatus by 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a place where an image is taken in the scanner device according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the search method of the place of imaging | photography object in the scanner apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the method of specifying the optimal place of the imaging | photography object in the scanner apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which shows the placement place of the imaging | photography object in the scanner apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the pedestal inclination method for the place detection of the imaging | photography object in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination method of the pedestal inclination direction in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the area | region division pattern of the imaging | photography object in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic explaining the pedestal inclination method in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the matrix for pedestal inclination direction determination in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the halation avoidance by the base inclination in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a conceptual diagram which shows the mode of reflection of light, (b) is a conceptual diagram of a picked-up image. It is a figure explaining the halation avoidance by the base inclination in the scanner apparatus by 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a conceptual diagram which shows the mode of reflection of light, (b) is a conceptual diagram of a picked-up image. It is a figure explaining the calibration method by the conventional scanner apparatus. It is a figure explaining the condition of the halation generation | occurrence | production in the conventional scanner apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a scanner device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a method for detecting a place where an object is to be photographed in the scanner device will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the scanner device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the scanner device 1 includes a scanner unit 3 and a computer 5, which are connected to each other by a cable 6 for receiving and transmitting signals. The scanner unit 3 has the shape of a stand scanner having a pedestal unit 11 supported by four legs 17, a support column unit 15, a camera board 7, and a lens 9, and an object to be photographed placed on the pedestal unit 11. Take a picture. FIG. 1B is an example of the actual appearance of the scanner unit 3. The scanner unit 3 includes a pedestal unit 11 on which an object to be imaged is placed, an arch-shaped column unit 15 provided on a side of the pedestal unit 11, and a camera board 7 formed continuously from the column unit 15. The lens 9 is connected to the camera board 7.

  Returning to FIG. 1A, the computer 5 includes a display unit 23, a control unit 24, and an input unit 25, and controls the operation of the scanner device 1. The display unit 23 is a device that displays an image, such as a liquid crystal display device. The control unit 24 is a device that controls operations of the computer 5 and the scanner unit 3. The input unit 25 is a keyboard or the like for inputting instructions for controlling the operation of the computer 5. The computer 5 controls the shooting operation by the camera board 7. In addition, the halation unit 19 is calculated based on the photographed image, and a place where a photographing target such as a document having a predetermined size can be placed is specified based on the information of the halation unit 19. Display. The display unit 23 displays a place where the shooting target can be placed and also displays an image shot by the camera board 7. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the lens 9 side with respect to the pedestal portion 11 is referred to as the upper side, and the foot 17 side is referred to as the lower side.

  The pedestal unit 11 of the scanner unit 3 is a table on which an object to be imaged is placed on the upper surface. In FIG. 1A, the reflection medium 13 is placed on the pedestal 11. The reflection medium 13 is formed of, for example, a laminate material or an acrylic plate, and is a shooting target for specifying a halation portion in order to detect a place where the shooting target is placed. In the present embodiment, the pedestal portion 11 is a plate-shaped member having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. The legs 17 are, for example, prismatic members. In the present embodiment, four legs are provided, and support the lower surfaces near the four corners of the pedestal 11 respectively. The foot 17 is configured such that the vertical dimension changes based on an instruction from the computer 5. A column portion 15 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal portion 11. The support column 15 supports the camera board 7. A lens 9 is attached to the lower surface of the camera board 7. The camera board 7 photographs the photographing object on the pedestal 11 from the direction of the arrow 21 through the lens 9.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the scanner device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera board 7 includes an image sensor 41, a control CPU 43, an image acquisition unit 47 having a RAM 45, and an image transfer unit 49. The image sensor 41 is an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The control CPU 43 is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the camera board 7 in accordance with instructions from the computer 5. The RAM 45 is a memory that stores image data of an image captured by the image sensor 41. The image transfer unit 49 is a USB controller, for example, and is a transfer device that transfers the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 47 to the computer 5. Here, the control CPU 43 receives light from the object to be photographed by the image sensor 41 and stores the image data converted into an electric signal in the RAM 45. Further, the control CPU 43 transfers the image data stored in the RAM 45 to the computer 5 through the image transfer unit 49 in accordance with an instruction from the computer 5.

  The control unit 24 of the computer 5 functions as a halation detection unit 31, a placement location detection unit 33, a form size definition storage unit 35, an evaluation unit 37, an output screen generation unit 39, and the like. Based on the image data of the reflection medium 13 photographed by the camera board 7, the halation detection unit 31 specifies a pixel having a gradation value equal to or higher than a predetermined luminance, for example, the maximum gradation value, and specifies it as the halation unit 19. The form size definition storage unit 35 stores a subject to be photographed that may be placed on the pedestal unit 11 and photographed, for example, the shape and dimensions of the form. The placement location detection unit 33 detects whether or not an imaging target such as a form can be placed on the pedestal unit 11 other than the halation unit 19 based on data included in the halation detection unit 31 and the form size definition storage unit 35. . The evaluation unit 37 determines whether or not all the shooting object storage locations stored in the form size definition storage unit 35 have been detected. The output screen generation unit 39 displays the detected placement location on the display unit 23.

  In the scanner apparatus 1 configured as described above, a method for detecting the place where the photographing target is placed using the reflection medium 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for detecting a location of a photographing object according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, first, the reflection medium 13 is installed on the pedestal 11 (S101). At this time, it is assumed that device calibration generally performed by the scanner device has been performed. Device calibration refers to image data obtained by placing a calibration sheet such as paper on the pedestal 11 and taking image data in order to correct shadows and the like that occur on the object to be photographed depending on the location of the device. It is to acquire.

  Subsequently, in response to an instruction from the control unit 24 of the computer 5, the camera board 7 captures the reflection medium 13 (S102). At this time, the image sensor 41 converts the incident light into an electrical signal and outputs it as image data. The control CPU 43 records image data in the RAM 45. Further, the control CPU 43 transfers the image data recorded in the RAM 45 to the halation detection unit 31 via the image transfer unit 49 in accordance with an instruction from the computer 5. The halation detection unit 31 extracts pixels having a luminance equal to or higher than a predetermined gradation value, for example, the maximum gradation value, from the transferred image data (S103). The extracted pixel is set as a halation part.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an image obtained by photographing the reflection medium 13. As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the halation detection unit 31 detects two halation units 61 and 63 having the luminance of the maximum gradation in the image obtained by capturing the reflection medium 13. Subsequently, the placement location detection unit 33 detects the placement location of the imaging target according to the data relating to the halation detected by the halation detection unit 31 and the data relating to the form size stored in the form size definition storage unit 35 ( S104).

  In the form size definition storage unit 35, vertical and horizontal sizes are defined in advance for each form size. For example, in the case of A4 size, it is uniquely defined as vertical and horizontal size = 210 × 297 mm. The placement location detection unit 33 determines whether or not the halation portion overlaps the search area while gradually shifting the search area of the form size stored in the form size definition storage unit 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the search area 65 partially overlaps with the halation units 61 and 63, and the overlapped portion may not provide a clear image. exclude. On the other hand, the search area 67 does not overlap with any of the halation units 61 and 63 and can be detected as a place to be photographed, and the position information of the search area 67 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the computer 5, for example. To do. In this way, the search is performed while gradually shifting the place where the place to be photographed can be secured without overlapping the halation part.

  Here, when a plurality of search areas that can be detected as a place to be photographed are specified, the search area that is the farthest distance from the halation units 61 and 63 is finally detected as a place to be placed as a recommended place. It is displayed on the display unit 23. With reference to FIG. 5, a process for selecting an optimum placement location from a plurality of placement locations will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process for selecting the optimum place in S104. As shown in FIG. 5, first, for all the pixels of the halation units 61 and 63, all coordinates based on a predetermined definition are averaged to calculate the representative position of the halation unit (S110). Subsequently, the coordinates of all the pixels in the search area that can be detected as the place to be imaged, for example, the search area 67 are averaged to calculate the representative position of the search area (S111). Further, the distance L between the representative positions calculated in S110 and S111 is calculated. The distance L is expressed by ((difference in X coordinate) ² + (difference in Y coordinate) ² ) ^1/2 with respect to the coordinates of each representative position. This distance L is calculated for all search areas detected as, for example, A4 size forms, and the search area with the maximum distance L is finally specified as the optimum place, and stored in a storage unit (not shown). Store (S112).

  Returning to S105, the evaluation unit 37 determines whether or not a place where all the form sizes stored in the form size definition storage unit 35 can be placed without overlapping the halation unit is determined. In the case of No in S105, the process proceeds to the process of inclining the pedestal unit 11, which will be described in the second embodiment. In the case of Yes in S105, the output screen generation unit 39 generates a screen for the optimum placement location and displays it on the display unit 23 (S106). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the output screen generation unit 39 creates an image of the shooting screen 670 in the display unit 23, and further creates an image of the pedestal unit 11 therein. An image of, for example, halation 19 is created inside the pedestal 11, and an optimum placement location of the A4 size 671, B5 size 673, A5 size 675, B6 size 677, and card size 679 is created on the pedestal 11 other than the halation 19. Is displayed by a broken line, for example. This is the end of the process of detecting the location for photographing. The user performs shooting while placing the shooting target on the pedestal 11 while referring to the displayed placement location.

  As described above in detail, according to the scanner device and the method of detecting the location of the subject to be photographed according to the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, after the calibration with the conventional calibration sheet is completed, etc. A reflection medium 13 such as a laminate material or an acrylic plate is placed on the pedestal 11. The camera board 7 photographs the reflection medium 13 through the lens 9 based on an instruction from the computer 5. The image acquisition unit 47 of the camera board 7 transfers the acquired image data of the image to the computer 5 via the image transfer unit 49. The computer 5 uses the halation detection unit 31 to detect pixels having a predetermined luminance or higher as the halation unit, and accumulates the detected data. The placement location detection unit 33 detects the placement location of the shooting target based on the form size of the shooting target stored in the form size definition storage unit 35 and the information on the halation portion detected by the halation detection unit 31. At this time, a place having a representative position as far as possible from the representative position of the halation part is detected. The evaluation unit 37 determines whether or not the placement location has been detected for all the form sizes recorded in the form size definition storage unit 35, and if so, the output screen generation unit 39 displays the placement location. A screen is created and displayed on the display unit 23.

  According to the above-described scanner device and the method for detecting the location of the subject to be photographed, when a scanner device having the shape of a stand scanner is installed, any place in the photographing range can be photographed without causing halation. Can be detected and notified in advance and automatically. The user can easily place a subject to be photographed in a suitable place and perform photographing while referring to information notified on the display screen or the like. Further, the computer can determine the number of places that can be reflected within the shooting range, and can determine whether the shooting target can be shot without causing halation and can withstand actual operation. Further, in the stand scanner, it is possible to avoid a situation in which at least a part of an imaging target that is a reflection medium cannot be captured in an appropriate state due to halation.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a scanner device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a method for detecting the location of the subject to be photographed will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, a configuration and a function are further added to the first embodiment. Therefore, in 2nd Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected to the structure and process which overlap with 1st Embodiment, and duplication description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the scanner device according to the second embodiment includes a pedestal tilt control unit 57 in the camera board 7. The control unit 24 of the computer 5 also functions as a halation distribution calculation unit 51, a pedestal tilt direction determination matrix storage unit 53, and a pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55. In FIG. 7, the output screen generation unit 39 is omitted. In the present embodiment, the computer 5 controls the inclination of the pedestal portion 11 by controlling the dimensions of the foot 17 based on the information of the halation portion calculated based on the image photographed by the camera board 7.

  The halation distribution calculation unit 51 calculates the halation distribution from the data obtained by the halation detection unit 31. The pedestal tilt direction determination matrix storage unit 53 stores information on the tilt direction of the pedestal according to the halation distribution. The pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 determines the tilt direction of the pedestal based on the halation distribution calculated by the halation distribution calculation unit 51 and the information stored in the pedestal tilt direction determination matrix storage unit 53, and the pedestal of the camera board 7. This is transmitted to the tilt control unit 57. The pedestal tilt control unit 57 tilts the pedestal unit 11 by changing the length of the foot 17 by controlling, for example, an electric actuator (not shown) via an actuator controller (not shown) based on the received instruction.

  Hereinafter, based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 and FIGS. 10 to 14, processing for inclining the pedestal portion 11 in the method of detecting the place to be photographed by the scanner device according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the evaluation unit 37 determines in S105 in the first embodiment that there is a photographing target that cannot be placed without overlapping the halation unit, the second embodiment is performed. The pedestal is tilted.

  First, the halation distribution calculation unit 51 calculates the halation distribution based on the data of the halation unit detected by the halation detection unit 31 (S120). In the present embodiment, the halation distribution calculation unit 51 calculates how many pixels the halation unit detected by the halation detection unit 31 is distributed in a predetermined area on the object to be imaged. Based on the calculated halation distribution, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 determines the direction in which the pedestal unit 11 is tilted (S121).

  Here, the process for determining the direction in which the pedestal 11 is tilted will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for determining the direction in which the pedestal 11 is tilted. As shown in FIG. 9, first, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 divides the photographing surface into four (S131). That is, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 virtually divides the reflection medium 13 into four rectangular regions 13A to 13D on the data.

  Subsequently, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 determines whether or not there is a halation portion in each of the divided regions 13A to 13D (S132). At this time, since the halation distribution calculation unit 51 specifies the number of pixels having a luminance of, for example, a predetermined gradation value or more in the region 13A and the region 13B, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 includes the halation distribution calculation unit 51. Browse the data. Next, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 determines the direction according to the pattern of the existing halation unit (S133).

  Here, the configuration of the foot 17 that points to the pedestal portion 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, portions corresponding to the regions 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D are placed on pedestal regions 11 </ b> A to 11 </ b> D in which the pedestal portion 11 is virtually divided into four. The legs 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are provided near the corners of the lower surfaces of the pedestal regions 11A to 11D, respectively, and support the pedestal part 11. The legs 17 a to 17 d are configured to be changed in length by being controlled by the pedestal tilt control unit 57. For example, when an instruction to extend the length of the foot 17a and the foot 17d is transmitted from the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55, the pedestal tilt control unit 57 extends the length of the feet 17a and 17d. Thereby, the base part 11 comes to have an inclination with respect to the upper surface of the setting place 20, as shown in FIG. By selecting and extending any one or two of the four legs 17a to 17d, for example, it is possible to incline in a total of eight ways in four directions, up and down, left and right, and four diagonal directions in the top view of the pedestal 11 in FIG. it can.

  Next, the base tilt direction determining matrix stored in the base tilt direction determining matrix storage unit 53 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pedestal tilt direction determination matrix (hereinafter simply referred to as a matrix) 140 that indicates the tilt direction of the pedestal 11 with respect to the halation distribution. As described above, when the forms cannot be placed in a place that does not overlap the halation part, the inclination direction of the pedestal part 11 is determined based on the matrix 140 and is inclined. In the matrix 140, the left column 141 indicates whether or not the halation region exists in the corresponding region, and the right column 143 indicates a leg that extends under the condition of the left column 141.

  The row 145 in the left column 141 has columns labeled A, B, C, and D, respectively, and each column corresponds to the four-divided regions 13A to 13D in FIG. In each column corresponding to each of the regions 13A to 13D, “◯” is described in the column corresponding to the region having the halation portion, and “X” is described in the column corresponding to the region having no halation portion. Each row 145 of the right column 143 has columns labeled a, b, c, and d, which correspond to the legs 17a to 17d in FIG. In the right column 143, “◎” indicates a leg that is always extended under the condition of the left column 141 of the corresponding row. “Δ” is a case where the extending leg (inclination direction) is not uniquely determined only by the condition in the left column 141. That is, “Δ” is determined based on the number of pixels in the halation area with other “Δ” areas in the corresponding row, and the leg supporting the area with the larger number of pixels is extended. . For example, row 147 indicates that halation occurs only in region 13A, and in this case indicates that leg 17a is extended. The line 51 indicates that halation is occurring in the regions 13A, 13B, and 13C. In this case, the foot 17b and one of the feet 17a and 17c are extended. Of the two legs 17a and 17c, the leg that supports the side of the corresponding region 13A or 13C that has more pixels in the halation portion is extended.

  Next, a mechanism for avoiding halation by extending a leg will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing the state of halation. FIG. 13 schematically shows a state in which light 71 from the light source 27 is reflected by the reflection medium 13 and enters the lens 9 as light 72. In FIG. 13A, the light 72 is reflected on the left side of the reflection medium 13 in the drawing. FIG. 13B is a conceptual diagram of a captured image of the reflection medium 13 in FIG. In FIG. 13B, the upper left side of the figure is a region 13A, and the halation portion straddles 13A and the region 13B.

  In the example of FIG. 13, the pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 reads and refers to the matrix 140 from the pedestal tilt direction determination matrix storage unit 53 as follows. This example corresponds to the row 149 of the matrix 140, and referring to the right column 143 shows that the legs 17a and 17b are extended. When the pedestal tilt direction determining unit 55 reads the information in the row 149, the pedestal tilt control unit 57 transmits an instruction to the pedestal tilt control unit 57. The pedestal tilt control unit 57 drives the electric actuator (not shown), for example. Extend the legs 17b. When the legs 17a and 17b are extended in this manner, the pedestal 11 is tilted as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, when the pedestal portion 11 is tilted with respect to the upper surface 20 of the scanner placement portion, the reflection direction of the light 71 from the light source changes, for example, as the light 75 so that it is detached from the lens 9. become. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14B, the captured image of the reflection medium 13 can be in a state where there is no halation portion. In particular, in order to avoid halation efficiently, it is preferable to incline the pedestal 11 so that the side close to the area where halation occurs is closer to the lens 9 side. The matrix 140 shows the relationship of the place where the foot length is changed with respect to the halation distribution according to this policy.

  As described above, after the pedestal unit 11 is tilted according to the distribution of halation, the pedestal tilt control unit 57 transmits an instruction to the image acquisition unit 47 so as to capture the reflection medium 13 again. The image acquisition unit 47 repeats the processing from S102 of FIG. 3 described in the first embodiment. If it is determined by the evaluation unit 37 that detection of placement has been completed for all the forms (Yes in S105), the placement is displayed for each imaging target on the display unit 23 (S106), and the process is terminated. It should be noted that the above processing is preferably repeated until placement locations are detected for all the shooting targets stored in the form size definition storage unit 35.

  As described above in detail, according to the scanner device 1 according to the second embodiment, the evaluation unit 37 does not overlap the halation area in the data related to the imaging target stored in the form size definition storage unit 35. If it is determined that there is something that cannot be placed, the halation distribution calculation unit 51 calculates the number of pixels detected as the halation unit in each of the regions 13A to 13D in the reflection medium 13. The pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 refers to the condition corresponding to the calculation result of the halation distribution calculation unit 51 in the matrix 140 of the pedestal tilt direction determination matrix storage unit 53, and determines the tilt direction (which leg to extend). The pedestal tilt direction determination unit 55 transmits information on the extending leg corresponding to the determined tilt direction to the pedestal tilt control unit 57, and the pedestal tilt control unit 57 extends the corresponding leg by driving an electric actuator or the like. The pedestal 11 is tilted.

  As described above, according to the scanner apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the scanner apparatus according to the first embodiment. For example, when there is a shooting target in the data related to the shooting target stored in the form size definition storage unit 35 so as not to overlap the halation area, the inclination of the pedestal unit 11 is adjusted. As a result, the halation area can be moved so that more photographing objects can be automatically photographed without overlapping the halation area.

  At this time, it is possible to perform photographing without causing halation in a larger number of photographing objects without changing the installation position of the scanner device 1. That is, the base tilt direction determination matrix is created so that the number of pixels determined to cause halation is calculated for each of the regions 13A to 13D on the object to be photographed, and the region having the large number of pixels is brought closer to the lens 9. The direction in which the pedestal 11 is tilted can be determined by referring to 140. The pedestal 11 can be easily tilted in at least eight directions. The range of adjustment can be further increased if the legs are stretched in multiple steps or steplessly. Therefore, it is possible to detect the place where the photographing target can be automatically and appropriately photographed without changing the place where the scanner device is placed.

  In the above embodiment, the camera board 7 and the lens 9 are an example of an imaging unit, the placement location detection unit 33 is an example of a placement location detection unit, and the legs 17a to 17d are tilting motion units and support members. This is an example, and the pedestal tilt control unit 57 is an example of a tilt operation unit.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various configurations or embodiments can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, the configuration of the appearance of the scanner device 1 is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. As long as it has the same action and effect, it is possible to apply the method for detecting the location of the photographing object according to the present invention. In addition, if the object to be imaged is not completely covered, the method for detecting the location of the object to be imaged according to the first embodiment, for example, can be used not only for external light but also for a scanner apparatus having a dedicated illumination device. It is possible to apply

  The configuration of each part of the scanner device 1 may be other configurations as long as it has the same operation and effect. For example, although the scanner device 1 is controlled by the computer 5 independent of the scanner unit, for example, the control CPU 43 in the scanner unit 3 may control the entire scanner device 1. In this case, it is preferable to provide a display unit that is controlled by the scanner unit 3 and a memory in the scanner unit 3 that stores the detected image data to be photographed, data on the placement location, and the like. The image transfer unit 49 is an example of a USB controller, but may be another type such as a LAN cable. When displaying the detected location of the shooting target, for example, a mark that does not affect the captured image is provided on the pedestal 11 or a sheet that assists in identifying the detected location is created. In addition, it may be used when the object to be photographed is placed on the pedestal 11.

  The length of the leg to be extended may be a fixed length, a length determined arbitrarily, a length determined in multiple stages, or the like. Variations such as determining the length of the leg to be stretched depending on the number of pixels determined to be halation obtained by the halation distribution calculation unit are also within the scope of the present invention. In the said embodiment, although the example which changes the length of a leg electrically was demonstrated, you may carry out manually. Further, for example, the camera board 7 has a function of the continuous shooting mode, the moving image to be shot is displayed on the display unit 23, and the length of the foot is adjusted manually or electrically while viewing the image on the display unit 23. It may be. Furthermore, the configuration of the foot is not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations such as a configuration in which the pedestal portion 11 has a double structure and the inclination is adjusted inside may be used.

  The matrix tilt direction determination matrix 140 described in the above embodiment is an example of the present invention. For example, the length of the foot 17 may be shortened, and other forms may be considered depending on how the foot length is changed. . Furthermore, the pedestal tilt direction determination matrix 140 is created in accordance with the rule that the halves are reduced by bringing the pedestal 11 corresponding to a region with a lot of halation close to the direction of the lens 9, but the length of the foot is controlled. In the case where it is suitable to be controlled so as to incline in the opposite direction due to the limitation by the range or the like, another form is allowed.

  It should be noted that the detection of the location of the photographing object is preferably performed together with normal calibration when the arrangement of the scanner device is changed, for example. For example, when the external light condition changes with time, it may be performed manually or automatically, for example, at regular intervals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scanner apparatus 3 Scanner part 5 Computer 7 Camera board 9 Lens 11 Base part 13 Reflection medium 19 Halation part 31 Halation detection part 33 Placement detection part 35 Form size definition storage part 37 Evaluation part 39 Output screen generation part 41 Image sensor 43 Control CPU
45 RAM
47 Image acquisition unit 49 Image transfer unit

Claims (11)

A pedestal for placing the object to be photographed;
A photographing unit for photographing the photographing object placed on the pedestal part;
A halation detection unit that identifies, as a halation unit, a pixel having a gradation value equal to or higher than a predetermined luminance from an image captured by the imaging unit in a state where a reflection medium is placed on the pedestal unit;
A place detection unit that detects a place where a photographing object having a predetermined shape can be placed at a place other than the halation part on the pedestal part;
A display unit for displaying the placement location on the pedestal unit;
A scanner device comprising:   The placement location detection unit identifies a plurality of placement locations, and detects the placement location farthest from the center of gravity of the halation unit as the placement location of the photographing target. The scanner device according to 1. A tilting operation section for tilting the pedestal section;
A tilt instructing unit that instructs the tilt operating unit to create a tilt according to the halation unit;
The scanner device according to claim 1, further comprising: The inclined operation part has a plurality of support members that support the pedestal part,
The scanner device according to claim 3, wherein the tilt instruction unit tilts the pedestal unit by changing a dimension of at least one of the support members.   The tilt instruction unit divides the image into a plurality of regions, detects the presence / absence of the halation unit for each region, and selects the support member that changes the size according to the detection result. The scanner device according to claim 4.   The tilt instructing unit divides the image into a plurality of regions, calculates the number of pixels corresponding to the halation unit for each region, and changes the size according to the calculated number of pixels. The scanner device according to claim 4, wherein the scanner device is selected.   The scanner device according to claim 6, wherein the tilt instruction unit changes a size of the support member so that a region having the maximum number of pixels approaches the imaging unit. That the imaging unit captures the reflection medium placed on the pedestal,
Identifying a pixel having a gradation value greater than or equal to a predetermined luminance from the image captured by the imaging unit as a halation unit;
Detecting a place where a photographing object of a predetermined shape can be placed at a place other than the halation part on the pedestal part;
A method for detecting a location of an object to be photographed.   9. The photographing object according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the places are specified, and the place where the center of gravity is farthest from the center of gravity of the halation unit is detected as the place of the photographing object. Placement detection method. Determining whether the place has been detected;
Instructing the pedestal part to create an inclination corresponding to the halation part when it is determined that the placement location could not be detected;
Inclining the pedestal according to the instructions,
The method of claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising: In response to the instruction, after the pedestal portion is inclined, the imaging unit captures the reflection medium again,
Identifying a new halation part based on the image taken again,
Determining whether or not a place where the imaging object of the predetermined shape can be placed can be detected with respect to the newly identified halation unit;
If the placement location could not be detected, an instruction to create a slope corresponding to the newly identified halation unit is included.
11. The above-described operation from the photographing of the reflection medium after tilting the pedestal portion to the determination of whether or not the placement location has been detected for the newly identified halation portion is repeated. The method for detecting the location of the object to be photographed as described in 1.