JPH08111803A - Image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain the image input device with a comparatively simple structure and easily carried. CONSTITUTION: The image input device 1 is provided with a camera section 35, a universal head section 2, a support 5, a base 7, legs 8, 11 and controlled by a circuit block or a computer 40. The operator operates the circuit block 15 or the computer 40 at first to fold the image input device 1 so as to operate the universal head section 2 such a way that the camera section 35 is set nearly to be a horizontal position, and cables are removed from respective device parts. Then the legs 8 are turned in the direction F and raised along the support 5 at a position of a notch 36 of the base 7. The leg 11 is similarly raised. The lengthwise dimension of the case is made longitudinally compact by effectively arranging the image input device 1 in which the legs 8, 11 are folded and the camera section 35 and the universal head section 2 are removed, the removed camera section 35 and universal head section 2, a cable 13 whose both ends are provided respectively with connectors 14a, 14b and the circuit block 15 into the case.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input device suitable for storage and transportation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional image input device. In the figure, 500 is a conventional image input device, 501 is a camera unit, and 503 is a camera unit 501.
A first support column that rotatably supports a shaft portion 502,
Reference numeral 505 is a second support portion rotatably supporting the first support portion 503 by a shaft portion 504 and rotatably provided with respect to the document mounting portion 508. Reference numerals 506 and 507 are document mounting portion 5 respectively.
08 is a fluorescent lamp that is rotatably provided with respect to 5
Reference numeral 09 denotes a handle that is used when the image input device 500 is carried.

FIG. 10 shows the image input device 500 folded up.
It is an explanatory view showing a state where a handle 509 is pulled out, and this portion is grasped and transported.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional image input device has the following problems in storage. That is, in the conventional image input device 500, the strut portion is folded and folded in the middle, or the fluorescent lamp portion is folded and folded, so that the mechanism is complicated and the number of parts is increased. Met.

In addition to the increase in the number of parts, the flat document placing portion 508 and the internal chassis portion supporting the flat original placing portion 508 require a considerable area, which increases the overall weight and makes the product portable. At that time, it was difficult for a person without some strength.

Further, since the folded state has a flat shape, it is very difficult to carry because a heavy product bumps against a carrier's foot when it is hung in a hand and carried. For example, the conventional image input device has a short side length of 40 cm, a long side length of 55 cm, and a thickness of 20 cm in a folded state.
And had a weight of 10 kg.

Therefore, an object of the image input device of the present invention is to provide an image input device having a relatively simple structure and easy to carry.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image input device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a camera section for converting image information into an electric signal and a detachable support for the camera section. In the image input device, which includes a supporting column part and a foot part supporting a base part of the supporting column part, and which outputs an electric signal from the camera part to a separate circuit part, the image input device is provided on one of the supporting column parts, And a second connector portion provided on the other side of the column portion and electrically connected to the circuit portion.

An image input device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a camera section for converting image information into an electric signal, a supporting section for detachably supporting the camera section, a base section for supporting the supporting section, and the base section. In an image input device comprising a supporting foot portion and outputting an electric signal from the camera portion to a separate circuit portion, a first connector provided on the support portion and electrically connected to the camera portion. And a second connector portion provided on the base portion and electrically connected to the circuit portion.

An image input device according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises a camera section for converting image information into an electric signal, a support section for detachably supporting the camera section, and a foot section for supporting a base section of the support section. In the image input device described above, a folding portion for folding along the supporting column portion is formed on the foot portion.

An image input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a camera section for converting image information into an electric signal, a support section for detachably supporting the camera section, a base section for supporting the support section, and the base section. In an image input device having a foot supporting
An attachment / detachment portion for attaching / detaching the foot portion is formed on the base portion.

[0012]

In the image input device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first connector section electrically disconnects from the camera section, and the second connector section
By disconnecting the electrical connection with the circuit section at the connector section, the camera section is removed from the support section at the time of storage, the circuit section is removed from the support section, and the camera section and the circuit section are separated from the support section.

In the image input device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first connector section is electrically disconnected from the camera section, and the second connector section is electrically disconnected from the circuit section. The camera unit and the circuit unit are separated from the support unit by removing the camera unit from the support unit and the circuit unit from the base unit.

In the image input device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the legs are folded along the supporting columns when the image is stored.

In the image input device according to the fourth aspect, the foot is removed from the base during storage.

[0016]

EXAMPLES Next, examples of the image input apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the image input apparatus of the embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 35 is a camera unit that captures the document 12 placed directly below it as image information.
Reference numeral 2 is a platform part, and a camera part 35 is provided by a mechanism (not shown).
Is rotatable about the center 34 about the axis 34 (direction D in the figure,
Axial support) Further, the platform portion 2 is also rotatable about the center 33 by a mechanism (not shown) with respect to the support column 5 (more precisely, a first connector portion described later provided at one end of the support column 5) (direction B in the figure). , C direction).

Reference numeral 4 denotes a detachable ring used when attaching and detaching the platform portion 2 to and from the support column 5 (more precisely, a first connector portion which will be described later and is provided at one end of the support column 5). By rotating the attaching / detaching ring 4 around 33 (directions B and C in the drawing), the platform 2 can be attached / detached.

Reference numeral 6 is a second connector portion provided on the support column 5, and 7 is a base portion for supporting the support column 5. The cutout portion 36 and the base portions of the foot portions 8 and 11 of the image input apparatus 1 are partially provided. Has groove portions 32a and 32b for entering. Further, both feet 8 and 11 are provided with seats 10a and 10b made of rubber, plastic, or the like on the lower surface of the tip end thereof, and also support the whole of the image input device 1 also as a slip stopper.

The foot portion 8 is rotatable in the F direction in the drawing along the groove portion 32a, and after the rotation, it can be raised along the column 5 at the position of the notch portion 36. (State of Figure 2). Similarly, the foot portion 11 also has the groove portion 32.
After turning in the direction G in the figure along b, it is possible to stand up along the leg 8 that has already stood up at the position of the notch 36 (state of FIG. 2).

9 is a rubber provided on the upper surface of the tip of the foot portion 8,
It is a member having an elastic function such as plastic or sponge. As described above, the foot 5 is abutted against the pillar 5 so as not to be damaged when the foot 8 is raised along the pillar 5. There is.

Reference numeral 13 is a cable for connecting the image input device 1 and a separate circuit box 15 which will be described later, and connector portions 14a and 14b are formed at both ends thereof. On the other hand, the connector 14 a engages with the second connector portion 6 provided on the support column 5 of the image input apparatus 1, and the other connector 14 a
b engages with a connector (not shown) provided in the circuit box 15 described later.

The connector portion 14a is provided with a knob 42 formed with a screw portion (not shown) for engaging and fixing the mating connector portion 6. Reference numeral 15 is a circuit box in which a circuit for performing signal processing and system control of the image input device 1 is provided.

A cable 37 connects the monitor 38 and the circuit box 15, and exchanges signals for displaying the image captured by the image input apparatus 1 on the monitor 38. 39 is a computer 40 and a circuit box 1
5 is a cable for connecting the image input device 1 to the computer 40, and exchanges signals for controlling the image input device 1 and displaying an image captured by the image input device 1.

FIG. 2 shows the foot portion 8 and the foot portion 11 in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which is folded along a column 5 and viewed from a substantially A direction. In the figure, the foot portion 8 is shown in a state in which it is raised along the support column 5, and the leg portion 11 is shown in a state in which it is raised along the support column 5, and a member 9 having an elastic function is shown. The seats 10a and 10b are shown in the same position.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of the image input device in the state shown in FIG. In the figure, the foot portion 8,
The structure of the folding mechanism 11 and the connector portion 6 of the column 5 is shown. In order to make the description easier to understand, the groove 32
The cut amount of a and 32b is different from the actual one.

The legs 8 and 11 shown by the chain double-dashed line in the figure are the ones before the folding, and both are shown along the grooves 32a and 32b of the base 7, respectively, as described above. It is rotatably supported in the F and G directions. At the position of the cutout portion 36 of the base 7, the foot portion 8 is H, I at the position of the shaft 27 supported by the bearing portions 31a, 31b (see FIG. 4) standing upright from the first rotary plate 30.
Is rotatably supported by the first rotary plate 3
Since 0 can be rotated, it can be rotated in the F direction of FIG. 1 when folding and in the opposite direction when assembling. Incidentally, the groove portions 32a, 32 at this time
b plays the role of a guide.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the first rotary plate 30 and the second rotary plate 28. The figures show bearing portions 31a, 31b standing up from the first rotary plate 30, support shafts 27 of the foot portion 8 and bearing portions 29a, 29b standing up from the second rotary plate 28 and the shaft 26 of the foot portion 11. Has been done.

Returning to FIG. 3 again, the foot portion 11 is rotated in the H and I directions at the position of the cutout portion 36 of the base portion 7 by the shaft 26 supported by the bearing portion 29 rising from the second rotary plate 28. It is possible. Further, since the second rotary plate 28 is rotatable, the foot 11 is guided by the groove 32b in the G direction shown in FIG. 1 when the foot 11 is folded, and in the opposite direction when the foot 11 is assembled. Let

As described above, the first rotary plate 30 and the second rotary plate 28 are functionally identical, but in terms of shape, the outer periphery of the first rotary plate 30 is the second rotary plate 28. It is configured to slidably contact the inner circumference of the.

Next, the structures of the first connector portion 16 and the second connector portion 6 will be described in detail. The second connector portion 6 is fixed in the middle of the support column 5 by a method not shown, but the second connector portion 6 includes a plurality of signal pins 23 and screw portions 2.
It is made of two. The plurality of signal pins 23 are attached to one end of the support column 5 by a signal cable 25 arranged inside the support column 5 by a method not shown.
6 are connected to a plurality of signal pins 24.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a shaft rotatably provided on the first connector portion 16, and a male screw 19 and a gear portion 21 are provided on a part of the shaft.

Reference numeral 41 is a ring for preventing the shaft 17 from coming off from the first connector portion 16. The detachable ring 4 is rotatably attached to the first connector portion 16 by a mechanism (not shown). The detachable ring 4 is provided with a gear portion 20 on the inner circumference thereof.
0 is adapted to mesh with the gear portion 21 of the shaft 17.

Inside the platform part 2, the first connector part 1 is provided.
Although a connector portion 6a that engages with the connector 6 is provided, this connector portion 6a is the same as the second connector portion 6 described above. The connector portion 6a is attached to the platform portion 2 by a mechanism (not shown) so that the connector portion 6a does not rotate even when the platform portion 2 rotates about the shaft 33.

The operation of the image input apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, when the operator wants to display, for example, the original 12 on the monitor 38 by using the image input device 1, the operator inserts the connector portion 14a at one end of the cable 13 into the second
Connected to the connector section 6 of. At this time, the knob 42 is rotated to screw a screw portion (not shown) into the screw portion 22 of the second connector portion 6 to securely engage the connector portion 14a and the second connector portion 6.

Similarly, the connector portion 14b at the other end of the cable 13 is connected to the circuit box 15, and the cable 37
Is also connected between the circuit box 15 and the monitor 38.

When a power source (not shown) is turned on, the camera unit 3
The image of the original document 12 taken through the document 5 is displayed on the monitor 38. If it is desired to capture the image in the computer 40, the cable 39 is similarly connected to capture the image.

Note that control such as zooming, focusing, diaphragming of the camera section 35, or the operation of the pan head section 2 described above can be performed by a switch (not shown) from the circuit box 15 or an operation from the computer 40.

Next, the operation in which the operator finishes the operation and folds the image input device 1 will be described. In the figure,
First, the operator operates the circuit block 15 or the computer 40 to operate the camera platform 2 so that the camera unit 35 is in a substantially horizontal position (position of the camera unit 35 in FIG. 2).
After doing so, disconnect the cables from each device. After that, the user holds the foot portion 8 and rotates it in the F direction in FIG. 1, and raises it along the column 5 in the H direction in FIG. 3 at the position of the cutout portion 36 of the base portion 7. Next, with the foot portion 11, G of FIG.
This is rotated in the same direction, and similarly the cutout portion 36 of the base portion 7
Stand up along the column 5 at.

At this time, if the foot portion 11 is rotated first to perform the start-up operation, then even if the foot portion 8 is rotated thereafter, the foot portion 11 interferes with the foot portion 11 at the position of the notch portion 36. It is clear from the figure that the folding operation is not performed normally.

The state of being folded in this way is shown in FIG. 2. Next, when the attaching / detaching ring 4 of the platform part 2 is rotated in this state, the gear part 2 meshed with the gear part 20.
1, the shaft 17 rotates, and as a result, the screw portion 19 and the screw portion 22a of the connector portion 6a are disengaged from each other. That is, the platform part 2 is detached from the second connector part 16 that rotatably holds the detachable ring 4 together with the connector part 6a.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the image input device is disassembled and placed in a carrying case 43 together with other necessary equipment. As shown in the figure, the image input device 1 in a state in which the legs 8 and 11 are folded and the camera unit 35 and the platform unit 2 are removed, the removed camera unit 35, the platform unit 2,
A cable 13 having connectors 14a and 14b at both ends,
The circuit block 15 is arranged in the case 43. here,
m represents the length in the longitudinal direction, and n represents the length in the width direction. The length m in the longitudinal direction of the case 43 is longer than that in the conventional example, but the length n in the width direction is significantly shorter than that in the conventional example. The thickness is about 20 cm, which is about the same. That is, in the conventional example, the length dimension corresponding to m was 40 cm, the width dimension corresponding to n was 55 cm, and the thickness was 20 cm, and the shape during transportation was a rectangle close to a square. On the other hand, in the present invention, the shape is longer and the shape is easier to carry. Further, the weight of 10 kg in the past is remarkably reduced in this embodiment due to the elimination of the document table and simplification of the mechanism of the supporting column.

[Modification] Next, a modification of the image input apparatus of the above embodiment will be described. The image input device of the modified example is characterized in that the foot portion is removable and the support pillar is removable from the base portion 7. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image input device of a modified example corresponding to FIG. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the image input device as seen from the direction of arrow J in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 50 designates a pillar fixed to the base portion 70 by mounting screws 51a and 51b.
It corresponds to the column 5 in FIG. Reference numeral 100 denotes a seat made of rubber or plastic that is attached to legs 110 and 80, which will be described later, and serves as a non-slip support for the entire image input device.

6 and 7, 110 is a foot similar to 11 in FIG. 1, and 80 is 8 in FIG.
It is the same foot. 111a and 111b are feet 110
Screws 81a, 8
1b is a screw for attaching the foot portion 80 to the base portion 70.

In the case of disassembling the image input device in this embodiment, the removal of the camera unit from the column is the same as in the first example, but the screws 51a and 51b are further loosened and the column 50 is removed from the base 70. You can As a result,
The support column 50 is disassembled with the connector portions provided at both ends thereof. In addition, the respective foot portions 80 and 110 are provided with screws 81a and 81b and screws 111a and 111, respectively.
It can be removed from the base 70 by loosening b.

When assembling, the reverse operation may be performed. The image input device thus disassembled can be stored in a carrying case in a form that is easy to carry.

In this case, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the legs and the support pillars are housed in the case in a form separated from the base portion, but in any case, it is remarkably larger than the conventional example. It is lightweight and has a long shape that is easy to carry.

FIG. 8 shows the base portion 7 of the connector portion 6 in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of another modification of the image input device provided in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 52 is a back cover attached to the base portion 70 with screws (not shown). Further, the foot portion 80 is omitted in the figure.

In the image input apparatus of this embodiment, when disassembling the image input apparatus, the screws (not shown) are loosened to open the back cover 52, and the connector section 6 is removed. Further, the screws 51a and 51b are loosened to remove the support column 50 from the base portion 70. In this case as well, the column 50 and the base 70 are separated from each other and housed in a case for transportation.

Further, as shown in the first embodiment, the connector portion 6 may be attached to the base instead of the post in the form in which the support is fixed to the base. In this case, the support and the base are integrally stored in a case for transportation. In these cases as well, the weight is remarkably reduced as compared with the conventional example, and at the same time, the carrying case has a longitudinal shape that is easy to carry.

As described above, according to the image input apparatus of the present embodiment, the camera unit and the support of the image input apparatus are detachable, and the legs are also foldable or detachable. The mechanism is simplified, the number of parts is reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, since the number of parts is reduced and the flat document placing portion and the internal chassis portion supporting it are eliminated, the total weight is reduced.

Further, since the foot portion can be folded along the pillar portion or the foot portion can be detached, the transporting form can be made into a longitudinal shape that is easy to transport.

Further, since the support column is pipe-shaped and the connector portions are located on both sides thereof, the operator himself can easily assemble and disassemble, and at the same time, the connector portion and the support column can be assembled in the factory. It can be done easily. Furthermore, even if the support and the base cannot be separated, the support has a connector for connecting to the camera unit.
Since the base portion has a connector connected to a circuit portion for performing signal processing and system control, the operator can more easily assemble and disassemble.

[0055]

According to the image input device of the first aspect of the present invention, the first connector section is electrically disconnected from the camera section, and the second connector section is electrically connected to the circuit section. When storing, the camera part and the circuit part are separated from the strut part by removing the camera part from the strut part by cutting it off, and the camera part and the circuit part are separated from the strut part. You can Also, the mechanism can be simplified and the number of parts can be reduced. Further, since the flat document placing portion and the internal chassis portion supporting it in the conventional image input apparatus are eliminated, the weight of the whole can be reduced.

According to the image input device of the second aspect, the first connector section electrically disconnects from the camera section, and the second connector section
By disconnecting the electrical connection with the circuit part at the connector part, the camera part is removed from the support part when storing, and the circuit part is removed from the base part to separate the camera part and the circuit part from the support part. The space can be effectively used for storage. Further, even if the support and the base are not separable from each other, the support has the first connector portion for connecting to the camera portion, and the second connector connected to the circuit portion for performing signal processing and system control. Since the connector part of is at the base part, the operator can easily assemble and disassemble the device.

According to the image input device of the third aspect, since the foot portion is folded along the supporting column portion during storage, the foot portion can be folded and stored in the carrying case, and the carrying case can be made small. it can. In addition, since the foot portion can be folded along the supporting column portion, the shape of the image input device at the time of transportation can be made a longitudinal shape that is easy to transport.

According to the image input device of the fourth aspect, since the foot portion is removed from the base portion at the time of storage, the foot portion can be removed from the base portion and stored in the carrying case, and the carrying case can be made small. . Further, since the foot portion is detachable, the image input device at the time of transportation can be formed in a longitudinal shape that is easy to transport.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image input device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the image input device showing a state in which a foot portion 8 and a foot portion 11 in FIG. 1 are folded along a support column 5 and seen from a substantially A direction in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image input device in the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing structures of a first rotary plate 30 and a second rotary plate 28.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the image input device is disassembled and placed in a carrying case 43 together with other necessary equipment.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image input device of a modified example corresponding to FIG.

7 is a bottom view of the image input device as seen from the direction of arrow J in FIG.

8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of another modification of the image input device in which the connector portion 6 in FIG. 6 is provided on the base portion 70. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a conventional image input device.

FIG. 10: The image input device 500 is folded and a handle 509 is provided.
It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it pulls out and grabs this part, and is carrying.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Image input device 2 ... Platform part 5 ... Strut 7 ... Base part 8, 11 ... Foot part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An electric signal from the camera section, comprising: a camera section for converting image information into an electric signal; a support section for detachably supporting the camera section; and a foot section for supporting a base section of the support section. In the image input device for outputting to a separate circuit unit, a first connector unit provided on one of the support columns and electrically connected to the camera unit, and provided on the other of the support units, An image input device comprising: a circuit section and a second connector section for making an electrical connection. 2. A camera section for converting image information into an electric signal, a support section for detachably supporting the camera section, a base section for supporting the support section, and a foot section for supporting the base section, In an image input device for outputting an electric signal from a camera section to a separate circuit section, a first connector section provided on the column section and electrically connected to the camera section, and provided on the base section. An image input device, comprising: a second connector section for electrically connecting to the circuit section. 3. An image input device comprising: a camera section for converting image information into an electric signal; a support section for detachably supporting the camera section; and a foot section for supporting a base section of the support section, wherein the foot is provided. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein a folding portion is formed in the portion for folding along the support portion. 4. A camera section for converting image information into an electric signal, a support section for detachably supporting the camera section, a base section for supporting the support section, and a foot section for supporting the base section. In the image input device, an attaching / detaching portion for attaching / detaching the foot portion is formed on the base portion.