JPH0411452A - Picture reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain picture read of a normal color by reading a picture original after the lighting of a fluorescent light is confirmed so as to reduce the time till picture reading. CONSTITUTION:A read timing control circuit 9 and a memory control circuit 10 are controlled by a system control circuit 21 and a data and a control signal are sent and received between the system control circuit 21 and a CPU 22. The light source such as a fluorescent light and the lighting operation of each Light source at application of power or switch-on are confirmed by a command from the system control circuit 21 or the CPU 22.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] [Summary of the Invention] The present invention is an image reading device that reads reflected light from an image document using at least a fluorescent lamp and other light sources,
By turning on each light source in sequence before scanning, and scanning after confirming that the fluorescent lamps are on, the time it takes for the fluorescent lamps to start emitting light can be shortened, reducing the time it takes to start reading. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading device that can be shortened and furthermore, can reliably read an image original.

[Conventional technology]

As conventional image reading devices, there are known scanner devices that output digital image data obtained by reading an image document with an image sensor such as a CCD via a digital interface such as GPIB. In order to output the read image in a visual form (printout, display on a monitor, etc.), it is necessary to use a computer device, etc., resulting in a large-scale system and time-consuming signal processing. response is relatively poor. For this reason, conventional image reading devices such as scanner devices are unsuitable for use in presentations at exhibitions, lectures, etc., for example.

Therefore, the applicant of this application reads an image original, stores it in an image memory, and repeatedly reads it from the image memory in synchronization with the horizontal scanning signal and vertical scanning signal of the video signal, thereby outputting it as a video signal for displaying a still image. Such an image reading device has been proposed in the specifications and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 1-83330, Japanese Patent Application No. 183696, and Japanese Patent Application No. 1-83697. According to this image reading device, an original image can be visualized and displayed with good responsiveness in a short time.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Here, when reading an image original as a color image 7, for example, while reading one line of an image original, so-called three primary colors R and G are read.

The B light sources are sequentially switched on and turned on, and a color image is obtained by reading the reflections from these image originals with a line sensor. At this time, each of the above light sources is
At least one is a fluorescent light (for example, a blue (B) fluorescent light)
The others (R, G) are, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes).
etc. are sometimes used.

Incidentally, a general property of fluorescent lamps is that, for example, if they are left in the dark for a long time, it becomes difficult to turn on the next time they are turned on (it takes a long time to turn them on). This is called the darkening phenomenon of fluorescent lights. Due to this darkening phenomenon of fluorescent lamps, in conventional image reading devices that use the above-mentioned blue (B) color light lamps and RG LEDs as light sources, for example, images after the device is switched on or the power is turned on are When reading starts, R and G LEDs
is emitting light, but there is a possibility that a situation may occur in which the fluorescent lamp of the previous color (B) is not emitting light. In such a case, as the reflected light from the image original, only the reflected light from the R and G light sources is obtained, so that the color of the read image differs from the actual color. That is, a normal read image (an image with normal colors) cannot be obtained until the fluorescent lamp is turned on. Further, for the reasons described above, if the image reading device waits until the fluorescent lamp is turned on after the power is turned on, it will take a long time before image reading can be started.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and aims to shorten the time until the fluorescent lamp starts emitting light, shorten the time until reading starts, and further ensure image reading (
The object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device that can accurately read colors.

[Means to solve the problem]

An image reading device according to the present invention is an image reading device that reads reflected light from an image original using at least a fluorescent lamp and other light sources, and the light source sequentially turns on each of the light sources before reading and scanning the image original. and a lighting 61HU means for confirming lighting of the fluorescent lamp while each light source is turned on by the light source lighting means, and reading the image original after the lighting i confirmation means confirms lighting of the fluorescent lamp. The above-mentioned problem is solved by performing scanning.

According to the present invention, each light source is turned on in sequence before image reading and scanning, so that the fluorescent lamp is supplied with light from other light sources (irradiated with light). The delay in lighting time due to the darkening phenomenon is reduced, and since the image original is read and scanned after confirming that the fluorescent lamp is lit, the colors of the read image are normal.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image reading device according to the present invention.

The image reading device of this embodiment shown in Part 1 uses at least the light of a fluorescent lamp [3, (for example, a blue (B) fluorescent lamp) and other light sources 3*, 3c (for example, an R, G LED light source). , in the illustrated example, the R and G light sources 3° and 3G are shown as one for simplicity) to read the reflected light of the image original CD. Each light source 3R, 3G operates based on a light source switching timing control signal and before scanning the image original CD.
A light source switching circuit 70 which is a light source lighting means for sequentially lighting up the +3 seals, and each of the light sources 31 by the light source switching circuit 70.
A line sensor (C
CD line sensor) LS and a system control circuit 21, and after the lighting confirmation means confirms that the fluorescent lamp light source 38 is turned on, the image original CD is read and scanned (or is placed in a reading and scanning standby state). That's what I do.

That is, in the image reading apparatus of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the image reading head 2 that reads the image original CD placed on the original placing table 1 made of transparent glass or the like has three primary colors. The above three lights a3++, 3G, 3e, which emit R3G, B light, light source 3. ．． 3. condenser lens (ronodo lens) 80, multi-lens array 4 and C
A CDCC line sensor is provided, and the above three light a3
X, 3G, and 3m are sequentially switched by the light source switching circuit 70 to illuminate the image original CD, and the reflected light from the image original GD is received by the line sensor LS via the multi-lens array 4. There is. In addition, the light source 3. is a blue (B) fluorescent lamp (fluorescent tube), and the light source 3. is a blue (B) fluorescent lamp, and the light source 3. ．． 3. It is located opposite to the The line sensor LS is configured by, for example, 1728 CCD light receiving cells arranged in a straight line along the main scanning direction. For example, when reading one line (main scanning direction) for an image original 1XGD, Above 3 light sources 3. ．． By sequentially emitting light corresponding to the three primary colors R, G, and B from 3G and 3B, image signals of the three primary colors can be obtained line sequentially (line sequentially).

The output from the line sensor LS of the image reading head 2 is amplified by an amplifier 5, sent to an A/D converter 6, and converted into digital image data, and the timing is adjusted by a line buffer 7 such as a so-called FIFO. For example, it is stored in an image memory 8 such as RAM (random access memory) or dual port memory. Note that before starting to read the image original CD, color correction is generally performed using R, G, and B reflected light from a white standard plate, etc., and color correction is performed to correct uneven light emission (light emission variation) of each light source. So-called shading caused by variations in the luminous intensity distribution of the multi-lens array 4 is removed.

Here, in the image reading device of this embodiment, the light source 3 due to the darkening phenomenon that is a general property of fluorescent lamps
．． In order to shorten the time delay until the start of light emission, the following processing is performed when the power is turned on or when the start switch of the device is turned on.

That is, in the image reading device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the start switch of this device is turned on or the t source is turned on in step S1, the above-mentioned The light source switching circuit 70 is operated based on the light source switching timing control signal from the reading timing control circuit 9, and in step S2, the light source 3. Drive it and turn it on. The lighting time of the three light sources at this time is, for example, several 11 seconds.
It is considered as ec. When the light source 3R is driven in step S2, the light 'a3 of the G light source of the LED is driven in step S3.
．． is driven to turn on. This light source 3. For example, several m5ec
It will be lit for a while. Thereafter, in step S4, the light source 3 of the fluorescent lamp (B light S). is now driven. Here, steps S2 and S3 are performed on the fluorescent light source 3, which is difficult to turn on due to the darkening phenomenon. It is provided to supply light from the above-mentioned lights '113m and 3c (to illuminate) to facilitate lighting. That is, the general property of fluorescent lamps, which is opposite to the darkening phenomenon described above, is that they tend to turn on when exposed to some kind of light. In this embodiment, this property is utilized to create a fluorescent light source 3. By shining light on the lights before they turn on, the time it takes for them to turn on is shortened. In steps S2 and S3 above, the light sources 3m, 3
By emitting light, the light if! The light from 3N, ac is reflected by the glass original table 1 or the white reference plate for color correction, and is reflected by the fluorescent lamp light source 3. will be supplied to For this reason, the fluorescent lamp light source 3. The delay in light emission due to the darkening phenomenon is reduced. After step S4, it is determined in step S5 whether or not the light source 3Il is turned on. If NO in step S5, that is, light source 3. If the light source 38 is not lit, the process returns to step S2, and the subsequent operations are repeated until it is confirmed that the light source 38 is lit. If Yes in step S5, that is, light #
3. If it is confirmed that is lit, proceed to step S6,
The process then proceeds to the routine for reading the image original CD. By doing the above, the fluorescent light source 3. This will shorten the time it takes for the light to turn on. Incidentally, during the lighting operation of each light source in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the above-mentioned color correction and shading correction using the above-mentioned white reference plate are also performed at the same time.

In addition to the above-mentioned FIG. 2, the light s3. There are also ways to shorten the time it takes for the light to emit light.

That is, in FIG. 3, when the start switch is turned on or the power is turned on in step S11, the light R3R is driven to light up in step 512, and the light R3R is turned on in step S11.
3 to light S3. Drive the light. However, at this time, the light sources 38 and 3. Unlike the flowchart of FIG. 2, the lighting time is, for example, about 1 sec. Thereafter, in step S14, the fluorescent lamp light source 3.
is now driven. Also in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the steps 512 and S13 include adding the light ti3B of the fluorescent lamp to the light 13-. It is provided to supply light from 3c to facilitate lighting. In step S15, the light source 3. A determination is made as to whether or not the light source 3. is lit. If No (the light source 3. is not lit), the process returns to step SI4 and the light source 3. is turned on again. drive. If YES in step 515 (lighting of the light source 3. is confirmed), the process proceeds to step S16, and the process proceeds to the subsequent routine for reading the image original GD. It should be noted that during the lighting operation of each light source in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the above-mentioned color correction, shading correction, etc. using the above-mentioned white reference plate are performed simultaneously. Here, this third
In steps 312 and 513 in the flowchart of the figure, the lighting time of the light sources 311 and 3G is about 1 sec longer than in the flowchart of FIG. The amount of light supplied to the area is considered to be sufficient. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, even after the determination in step S15 is No, the process does not return to step 512 (driving the light source 3.), and the process proceeds to step 514 (driving the light source 3.).
The drive is repeated.

This makes it possible to shorten the time it takes for the light source 38 to turn on. On the other hand, in the second leap, the fluorescent light source 3. The lighting of the light source 3R13 is repeated until the light source 3.1.3. Since the lighting time of the light a3B is as short as several m5ec as described above, the time until the light a3B is turned on does not become long even in the flowchart of FIG.

In the image reading device of this embodiment, as described above, each light source 3 is provided with 3G
, 31 are turned on in sequence, and the reading scan is performed after confirming that the fluorescent light source 3B is lit. This reduces the time it takes for the fluorescent light source 3Il to start emitting light, and reduces the time it takes to start reading. It will be possible to shorten the time. This makes it possible to reliably read the original image (accurately read colors) when the power is turned on. In addition, the lighting operation of each of these light sources and light g3. The lighting confirmation operation is performed by system control circuit 2, which will be described later.
1 (or the CPU 22).

Returning to FIG. 1 again, the operation of the line sensor LS and line buffer 7 is controlled by the image reading timing control signal from the reading timing control jB@N9, and the image memory 8 is controlled by the image reading timing control signal from the memory control circuit 10. Writing/reading is controlled by control signals. Further, the image reading head 2 is operated by the motor drive circuit 2 in response to a motor drive timing control signal from the read timing control circuit 9.
6 rotates the head feed motor 27,
Movement is controlled in the sub-scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the main-scanning direction, which is the line sensor arrangement direction). Further, the light source switching timing control signal from the reading timing control circuit 9 is transmitted to the light source switching circuit 70.
supplied to That is, the light source switching timing control signal is a switching pulse for switching the light source in the light source switching circuit 70, and the light source switching circuit 70 controls the three lights #3g, 3G, :L
Performs the lighting switching operation. Furthermore, the reading timing control circuit 9 outputs an A/D signal to the A/D converter 6.
A sample timing control signal for D conversion processing is also output. This sample timing control signal is a sampling pulse for sampling in the A/D converter 6, and is sent to the A/D converter 6.

From the image memory 8, each primary color image data corresponding to the colors R, C, and B is read out and sent to the D/A converter 11.
, B image symbol and sent to the superimposition circuit 12. This superimposition circuit 12 is supplied with a character display signal for displaying, for example, a pointer mark, and this character display signal is superimposed on the image signal and output. The R, G, and B image symbols from the superimposing circuit 12 are taken out via output terminals 13R, 113G, and 13B, and sent to a display device such as a color CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor 14 or the like. The R, G, and B signals from the superimposing circuit 12 are sent to a Y (luminance) signal matrix circuit 15 and a C (chroma) signal matrix circuit 15.
The Y and C signals from these matrix circuits 15 and 16 are respectively sent to the signal matrix circuit 16.
They are taken out via output terminals 13Y and 13C, respectively. Further, these Y and C signals are minxed by a mixing circuit 17 to become a so-called composite video signal Sv, which is taken out via an output terminal 13V.

Next, the read timing control circuit 9 and the memory control circuit IO are controlled by a system control circuit (so-called system controller) 21, and this system control circuit 21 sends and receives data and control signals to and from the CPU 22. be exposed. This system control circuit 21 and CPU 2
2 may be an integral structure. Therefore, the above-mentioned lighting operation of each light source when powering on or switching on the device of this embodiment, and the fluorescent lamp light source 3. The lighting confirmation operation is as follows.
This is performed based on instructions from the system control circuit 21 or CPU 22. In addition, from the key human power device 23,
For example, key human input signals are supplied to the CPU 22 for scrolling the contents of the displayed image, displaying a pointer mark to point to an arbitrary location within the displayed image, and determining the image reading range. There is.

Character generation circuit (or CRT controller) 2
Reference numeral 5 is provided to display functions related to various operations of the image reading device, and is equipped with a character pattern ROM etc. in which alphabetic character patterns, numeric patterns, symbol patterns, etc. are stored. , a pointer mark or the like is provided as part of this character.

Note that the system control circuit 21 outputs a horizontal synchronization signal HD.
, vertical synchronization signal VD, and a composite synchronization signal 5YNC that is a mixture of these signals are output from output terminals 18H118, respectively.
V, 185.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the image reading device of the present invention, each light source is turned on in sequence before reading scanning, and reading scanning is performed after confirming that the fluorescent lamp is turned on, thereby eliminating the darkening phenomenon caused by fluorescent lamps. It is possible to shorten the time delay until the light is turned on, thereby shortening the time until the image is read, and it is possible to read the image in normal colors.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image reading device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining how to shorten the light source lighting time in the device of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of FIG. 1......Original placing table 2......Image reading head 3g=, 3c,
3m...Light source 8...Image memory 9...Reading timing control circuit 10.
... Memory control circuit 12 ... Superimposition circuit 14 ... CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor 21 ...
...System control circuit 22 ... CPU 23 ... Key human power device 25 ... Character generation circuit 70 ... Light source switching circuit CD ...・・Image original LS・・・・・・Line sensor

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An image reading device that reads reflected light from an image original using at least a fluorescent lamp and other light sources, comprising a light source lighting means for sequentially lighting each of the light sources before reading and scanning the image original. and lighting confirmation means for confirming lighting of the fluorescent lamp while each of the light sources is turned on by the light source lighting means, and reading and scanning of the image original is performed after the lighting confirmation means confirms that the fluorescent lamp is lit. An image reading device characterized in that: